MANILA, Philippines –Smart leaned on an added firepower brought about by the arrival of Thai import Wanida Kotruang as it turned back Phl Army, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-13, in a sneak preview of their semifinal showdown in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Friday.
Thai Lithawat Kesinee powered her way through a match high 23 hits including 19 on kills while Ateneo hot shot Alyssa Valdez scattered 20 to help propel the Net Spikers to their seventh win against four losses.
Smart was also boosted by its new acquisition in Kotruang, its second Thai reinforcement who contributed eight hits.
"She will be a big help in our campaign," said Smart coach Roger Gorayeb of Kotruang.
The Lady Troopers absorbed their second loss against nine wins in a match that serves as a preamble to their much awaited best-of-three semifinal showdown since the Net Spikers will end up at No. 3 regarldes of their last outing against sister team Meralco on Sunday.
Cagayan, unbeaten in 11 outings, will clinch the top seed and will play No. 4 Air Force (6-5) in the semis.
Tied at 11-all after Kesinee's kill went straight to the net, Smart took four of the next six points including the match-clinching dink by seasoned Suzanne Roces.
It didn't help that Army's top libero Patricia Torres injured her right knee midway through the fifth and final set and was replaced by Angela Nunag.