Pocari, BaliPure clash in preview of Final duel?

Games today (Philsports Arena)

1 p.m. – Bounty Fresh vs Navy (S Turf)

4 p.m. – NU vs UP (V-League)

6:30 p.m. – Pocari vs BaliPure (V-League)

MANILA, Philippines - Pocari Sweat and BaliPure finally come face to face in a duel of fancied teams with the top seeding in the Final Four at stake even as National U and University of the Philippines fight for survival in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Both the Lady Warriors and the Water Defenders are also putting their respective streaks on the line in their keenly awaited 6:30 p.m. clash with the former seeking their sixth straight and the latter likewise gunning for the same number of runs in their final elims assignment.

What makes this match doubly interesting and intriguing is that both teams will be coming into the game in full force with Michelle Gumabao and Myla Pablo, who missed Pocari’s last two outings, confirming their stint to what has been billed as a preview of the championship.

“Michelle and Myla will play,” said Pocari Sweat team manager Eric Ty.

The Lady Warriors’ 1-2 punch averaged 18 and 14 hits, respectively, in three games, making them the key figures in today’s encounter to be aired live by ABS-CBN Sports + Channel 23.

While assured of their potent offense, the Lady Warriors, who also boast of Elaine Kasilag, Rossan Fajardo, Maricar Nepomuceno, Siemens Dadang and Lutgarda Malaluan, will also have to toughen up on defense, upfront and on the floor, as they try to neutralize Alyssa Valdez’s power along with those of Gretchel Soltones, Amy Ahomiro, Dzi Gervacio, Janine Marciano and May Tajima.

BaliPure is also showing up with ace setter Jem Ferrer and utility Ella de Jesus, guaranteeing a slambang action between the league’s power-hitting and talented teams in the featured match in the single round elims of the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

Equally crucial is the 4 p.m. duel between the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Maroons, who knock each other out for at least a playoff for the fourth and last semis berth in the conference backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Tied with idle Laoag at fourth at 3-3, NU shoots for the all-important win to assure itself of at least a playoff for the last Final Four seat while UP needs to sweep its last two games, including against Laoag on Monday, to stay in the hunt.