SSC Guns For Early V-League Lead

San Sebastian-Excelroof guns for the early solo lead against College of St. Benilde while University of Perpetual Help, one of the league’s new members, debuts against Adamson University this Thursday in the second conference of the Shakey’s V-League at The Arena in San Juan City.

Installed as the heavy favorites following the absence of six-time champ University of Santo Tomas, the SSC-Excelroof lasses battle the Lady Blazers at 4 p.m. with the hope of scoring their second straight win.

The Lady Altas, who finished third in the previous NCAA volleyball tournament, meanwhile, try to bring their act to the country’s premiere league when they battle the Lady Falcons at 4 p.m.

Clashing in the nightcap at 6 p.m. are the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the Lyceum Lady Pirates, who are looking to barge into the win column after falling prey in the inaugurals last Sunday.

Behind the game-high 16 points of returning Thai import Jaroensri Bualee, the SSC-Excelroof spikers opened their title campaign with a 25-15, 25-15, 27-25 victory over the Lady Pirates.

Bualee, who led the league in the scoring in the previous conference with 243 points, is expected to stamp her class again against the Blazers, who are reeling from a five-set heartbreak to newcomer the National University Lady Bulldogs last Sunday.

Tipped to back Bualee are fellow guest player Suzanne Roces and mainstays Analyn Benito, Ma. Melissa Mirasol, Elaine Cruz and Jennelyn Belen while St. Benilde hopes to draw firepower and defensive help from guest players Zhar Velez and Jen Manzano and regulars Giza Yumang, Ren Agero and Cindy Optana.

Bannered by guest players Michelle Datuin and Nica Guliman, the Lady Altas are hoping to duplicate the Lady Bulldogs’ inspiring start in the event organized by Sports Vision and backed by Accel, Mikasa and Excelroof.

The Lady Altas will be up against a talent-laden Adamson side reinforced by former MVP Nene Bautista and Michelle Laborte. Veterans Pau Soriano, Angela Benting, Jampong Quinlog and Sheila Pineda will also be there to give them the needed firepower.

The Tamaraws, meanwhile, will pin their hopes on the power-hitting pair of guest players Rachelle Daquis and Michelle Carolino with support to come from Cherry Vivas, Monique Tiangco, Kat Magsumbol, Rose Vargas, Roby Remigio and Gyzelle Sy.

Mary Jean Balse, also a former MVP, teams up with Dahlia Cruz for the Lady Pirates, backstopped by Joy Cases, Jamie Pena, Kailyn Peñamante and Nikki Tabafunda.

Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin