San Sebastian, Ateneo aim for crucial victories

SAN SEBASTIAN and Ateneo will try to complete the roster in the semifinals when they take on Maynilad and Air Force, respectively, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at close of the quarterfinal round at The Arena in San Juan today.

But a pair of reversals will force a four-way tie for the last two semis berths among Navy (2-3), Ateneo (2-2), Air Force (1-3) and Maynilad (1-3), necessitating two playoff matches. Maynilad kept its slim hopes alive by surprising first semifinalist Army in four sets last Sunday with the Water Dragons all-pumped up to duplicate the feat against the other semifinalist SSC.

Air Force, on the other hand, tries to re-assert its mastery over Ateneo, which it beat in four in the elims last Aug. 7 although the Airwomen have slowed down since losing top hitter Cherry Rose Macatangay to injury midway in the qualifier.

Their four-set loss to Navy last Sunday put the Aiza Maizo-led team to the brink although the former MVP is expected to dish out her best against Ateneo along with Jennifer Manzano, Liza Deramos, Wendy Semana, Amelia Guanco and Irish Patrona.

But the Lady Eagles are raring to get back at Airwomen in their 4 p.m. game and formalize their stint in the next round of the tournament./Correspondent Jonas Panerio