Preview: Unbeaten teams Cagayan, Army collide

MANILA, Philippines — Expect fireworks in the Shakey’s V-League on Sunday, September as one team will finally taste a defeat while another will finally nail its first win.

Powerhouse squads Cagayan Valley and Philippine Army collide in a clash of titans while winless squads Far Eastern University and Philippine Navy battle to break a slump in this weekend’s blockbuster offering by the country’s premiere volleyball league.

Toting a 5-0 record, the league-leading Lady Rising Suns stake their perfect card when they take on the Lady Troopers, who are sporting a 3-0 slate.

Cagayan Valley drew stellar performances from Thai import Kannika Thipachot, Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero when they pummeled the Lady Tamaraws in their last assignment, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22.

In their 5 wins, Lady Rising Suns’ mentor Nes Pamilar has been consistent in saying that his team needs to play as one cohesive unit on order for them to surpass its bridesmaid finish in this conference last year.

“Importante sa amin ‘yung teamwork, basta wag lang kami magkanya-kanya lagi ko sa kanilang ipinapaalala,” said the eloquent Pamilar. “Sinasabi ko sa kanila na wag aasa sa dalawang guest players namin.”

Meanwhile, Army is coming off a 25-14, 25-15, 25-15 beating of Philippine National Police in their last outing as rising star Jovelyn Gonzaga led the way for the Lady Troopers with 21 points while ageless Ging Balse added 11.

FEU, Navy eye first ‘w’

In the first match, FEU and Navy square off for their first victory in the tournament.

The Lady Tamaraws, who are at the bottom of the standings with a 0-4 record were defeated by Cagayan Valley, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22 the last time around as Rem Palma paced FEU with 9 points.

The Lady Sailors are also bent on snapping their own slump, as they try to improve their 0-3 slate.

Newcomer Meralco handed Navy a 25-21, 25-22, 25-16 thumping with only veteran Mic-Mic Laborte scoring in double-digits, finishing with 12 points. – Rappler.com