The 13th season of the longest-running semi-pro volleyball showcase in the country reaches its apex as its Open Conference enters the championship round tomorrow, July 13, at the San Juan Arena.

Catch Game 1 of the SVL Finals between powerhouse Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers and Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors take center stage at 6PM, live on ABS-CBN Sports + Action and ABS-CBN Sports + Action HD (Ch. 166) and via livestream at sports.abs-cbn.com, after Game 1 of the Battle for Third between the Laoag Power Spikers and Bali Pure Water Defenders, which will take place at 4PM, all at the San Juan Arena.

It’s looking to be an all-out mayhem on the floor when the two teams collide for the ultimate title of being the V-league’s best for its Open Conference this season as the two teams really went at it in the regular season as their win-loss records will tell. The curtain-raiser between losing semifinalists Loaog and Bali Pure also boasts of top tier talent to watch out for.

Leading the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers, which beat Laoag for the first finals slot, will be former Letran Lady Knight stalwart Joy Cases (14.5ppg; semis), joined by former UST Tigress, Judy Caballejo (19ppg; semis), and veteran setter Wendy Semana (11.3 successful sets; semis) as they try to snatch the elusive title for the first time, after finishing fourth for the last two conferences.

The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, on the other hand, are looking to follow up its ardous climb to the finals against the Bali Pure Water Defenders in the semis. Bannered by NU’s scoring sensation Myla Pablo (20ppg in the semis), backstopped by the duo of Michelle Gumabao and Elaine Kasilag (28.9 combined ppg in the semis) on offense while being anchored by Desiree Dadang and Lutgarda Malaluan (1.41 combined blocks per set) on the defensive side of the ball, the Lady Warriors defeated the Alyssa Valdez-led Water Defenders in two games.

Valdez, who led the Ateneo Lady Eagles to two championships, will be missing the third-place match but Bali Pure is not daunted by the tough task at hand thanks in part to the presence of NCAA Women’s Volleyball MVP Grethcel Soltones and UAAP Season 77 Finals MVP Amy Ahomiro. The Water Defenders are trying to salvage a respectable finish in the Open Conference after falling short of their goal to reach the title match while the Power Spikers will rely on the collective might of Jessica Gallanza, Jovielyn Prado, and Mylene Paat.

Don’t miss the smashing action of the 13th Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Finals and Battle for Third this Wednesday (July 13) starting at 4PM, live on ABS-CBN Sports + Action and ABS-CBN Sports + Action HD (Ch. 166) and via livestream at sports.abs-cbn.com. For more information about ABS-CBN Sports and the Shakey’s V-League, visit sports.abs-cbn.com, and follow ABS-CBN Sports’ official Facebook and Twitter accounts, @abscbnsports.
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