Shakey's V-League Open Conference Semifinals Preview

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The 2012 Shakey's V-League Open Conference is nearing its conclusion, and four teams remain in the hunt for the Second Conference title. Defending champions Army will battle it out with three collegiate teams for the Open Tournament championship as the semifinals begin today.

(1)Sandugo-San Sebastian vs. (4)Ateneo

Before he leaves San Sebastian (for a while), Coach Roger Go-
rayeb will steer his Lady Stags, representing Sandugo Sandals,
to a Finals berth against his other team, Ateneo

It's mentor versus students in one Final 4 showdown as Ateneo Lady Eagles head coach Roger Gorayeb will take charge of his other team, the Sandugo-San Sebastian Lady Conquerors as they on no less than the Lady Eagles, coached  for the meantime by Parley Tupaz. In what could be the send-off of the Lady Conquerors, aka the Lady Stags, to Gorayeb, who will be serving the front-end of his two-year ban to coach Baste in the NCAA tournament starting this November, the top-seeds will give their all against the Lady Eagles, who did not field in an import so that their own preparations for the UAAP wars will become more intense. The key match-up here would be the battle of their respective captains, Joy Benito for Baste and Gretchen Ho for Ateneo. I have Sandugo-San Sebastian via sweep.

(2)Army vs. (3)Cagayan-UPHSD

It's champion vs. champion in the other semifinals
affair as defending champs Army take on the NCAA
champions Cagayan-Perpetual Help.

The other semifinal battle pits off the Cagayan-Perpetual Help Rising Suns and the star-studded Army Lady Troopers, the lone non-collegiate team in the semis. However, the Rising Suns, aka the Lady Altas, must remember that the Lady Troopers are the champions in this tournament, so Coach Mike Rafael must remind his girls to step up if they, the reigning NCAA champions, want to snatch a huge upset against Army. The key match-up here is the blockbuster showdown between Jheck-Jheck Dionela and Rachel Anne Daquis. I have Army in two as well.

UAAP Cheerdance Competition Preview

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We're just a sleep away from the 2012 UAAP Cheerdance Competition, but before the party, here are my picks for the Saturday Night Fever:

1. Team to Watch Out: FEU Cheering Squad

Looking for payback, the FEU Cheering Squad, who saw their 2009 championship being relinquished to the UP Pep Squad and even slipping to third in the previous edition, the pep squad from Morayta thinks this year will be their time. Going with a wild theme this time around, expect a fierce title shot for them. Here's their interview conducted by Rappler.

2. Dark Horses: UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe

Admitting they had less preparation last year, I believe Gawi now had enough time to put up a grand threat to UP Pep. UST coach Ramon Pagaduan said in an interview with the UAAP Online Media Bureau that we should be expecting more surprises this year.

My Top 3 (in order): UP (unbiased), FEU, UST