Cagayan, PLDT unleash touted Shakey’s V-League forms
MANILA, Philippines — A year after its perfect championship romp, Cagayan Valley opens its title defense with some prized acquisitions in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference Thursday.
The Rising Suns, whose new recruits include ex-Adamson star Pau Soriano, tangle with the winless Philippine National Police at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Also touted to make an impact, PLDT Home Telpad debuts against another struggling squad in University of the Philippines at 4. Both the PNP Lady Patrollers and the Lady Maroons remain winless in two outings.
PLDT boasts a star-studded crew led by Dindin Santiago, the National University ace who bagged last conference’s MVP award.
Mentored by champion coach Roger Gorayeb, PLDT assembled a team that looks, on paper, a title contender with San Sebastian star Gretchel Soltones, former MVP Suzanne Roces, Charo Soriano, Laurence Ann Latigay, Angela Benting, Rubie de Leon and Jem Ferrer.
But the Rising Suns remain a top contender after becoming the first team in the league to complete a 16-0 conference sweep.
Then boosted by two Thai imports, the Rising Suns hope to regain their firepower with Soriano, Faye Guevarra, and former FEU standouts Chie Saet and Gyzelle Sy beefing up a roster that includes veterans Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Angge Tabaquero and Joy Benito.
Victories by Cagayan and PLDT will put them in the early lead with Philippine Army, Air Force, National University and Ateneo.
