UNDERMANED Philippine Army booted PLDT Home Telpad out of contention following a hard-earned 23-25, 25-16, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10 win Tuesday in the Shakey's V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Rachel Anne Daquis finished with 18 points, while Ging Balse, Nene Bautista, and Jovelyn Gonzaga each had 15 markers for the unbeaten Lady Troopers.
But Gonzaga,the pride of Sta. Tersa, Guimaras, scored seven of the team’s total output in the deciding set that help Army clinched its sixth straight win.
The loss by the Turbo Boosters eliminated them outright of title contention and paved the way for yet another title showdown between Army and Cagayan Valley.
The best-of-three Finals start on November 2.
Army played minus Dindin Santiago and Mina Aganon due to personal matters, while libero Tin Agno, now in her fifth year with Far Eastern University, also did not suit up following a check up with the Lady Tams in preparation for the coming UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
“Nahirapan kami kasi kulang kami,” admitted Army coach Rico de Guzman. “Tapos apat na araw kaming walang practice dahil may mga trabaho kami sa labas.”
Second stringers Genie Sabas also provided 10 points for the Lady Troopers.
“Plano talaga sa rotation na gamitin lahat, para ang second stringers mag-step up para lumakas ang loob nila at magkaroon ng tiwala sa sarili,” added de Guzman.
Team captain Sue Roces finished with 16 points to lead PLDT which also got 15 from Lou Ann Latigay.
PLDT ended its campaign with a 2-4 card just a notch below Cagayan Valley (3-2).
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph