Gorayeb confident of beating UP in V-League semis

MANILA, Philippines – PLDT Home Ultera coach Roger Gorayeb will go into their semifinals duel with University of the Philippines oozing with optimism knowing they have an advantage in terms of manpower and experience.

"We have the advantage against UP because we're not only experienced, we also have two foreign players who I think will give us more options," said Gorayeb, whose Ultrafast Lady Spikers clash with the Lady Maroons in the semis on Sunday needing just a win to clinch a finals seat.

Gorayeb was referring to American imports Victoria Hurtt and Sareea Freeman, who debuted with a bang last Saturday when the two unloaded 21 and 15 hits, respectively, to power PLDT to a 25-12, 25-12, 23-25, 25-21 win over KIA Forte that sealed it the No. 2 seeding.

Interestingly, PLDT beat UP, 25-12, 22-25, 25-15, 25-17, in their first round meeting on Oct. 31 or weeks before the power-hitting duo of Freeman and Hurtt arrived.

Gorayeb, however, said they still need more practice time with Freeman and Hurtt for them to contend for the title.

"If you're going to ask me, we haven't really practiced that much. Hopefully, we could use this week and the next to really get to familiarize with each other," said Gorayeb.

Rubie de Leon, PLDT's starting setter, had the hardest time adjusting following the arrival of Freeman and Hurtt and couldn't get it going in their first game together.

Good thing about it though, Jem Ferrer, de Leon's back up, picked up the slack and adjusted well and finished with 26 excellent sets, most of which went to Hurtt and Freeman.

"I will still start Rubie, but if she couldn't handle it, I will go to Jem," said Gorayeb. "Rubie was probably not used to playing with players these big that's why she had a hard time in our last game.

"Good thing Jem stepped up, she played well with the imports," he added.