Cagayan gals, Systema men gun for titles
CAGAYAN Valley will rely on the likes of Angeli Tabaquero. ARNOLD ALMACEN
CAGAYAN Valley and Systema Tooth and Gum Care try to complete a stunning turnaround as they shoot for title-clinching victories today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Rising Suns gun for their second V-League crown against top seed Army in Game 2 of the women’s series at 2:45 p.m.
Champions of the Open Conference last year, the Lady Rising Suns have hit top form at just about the right time after an erratic start that saw them lose their first two meetings to Army in the elimination round.
The odds are now stacked against the Lady Troopers due to the impending absence of ace hitters Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon, who have to fulfill club commitments.
“We heard it but we’re still preparing as if they’re playing,” said Cagayan Valley coach Nes Pamilar.
A pumped up Systema squad tries to earn the distinction as the first champion of the men’s division when it goes up against Instituto Estetico Manila at 12:45 p.m.
The Active Smashers leaned on their solid blocking to subdue the Volley Masters in a thrilling 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 16-14 win in the series opener last week.
“The key was our blocking,” said Systema coach Arnold Laniog, whose wards produced 18 blocks that slowed down IEM’s vaunted attacking game.
Making the Game 1 win even more impressive was the resilience shown by the Active Smashers who rallied from two sets down.
Despite gaining the upperhand in a short title series, the Active Smashers remain wary of the Volley Masters.
But Laniog hopes to draw a strong start from his wards with Patrick Rojas, Chris Macasaet and Christopher Antonio tipped to carry the cudgels again.
The Rising Suns hacked out a 25-23, 20-25, 25-21, 25-18 victory in last week’s opener and the task of tying the series will be tough for Army as Cagayan’s Thai imports Amporn Hyapha and Patcharee Saengmuang have combined well with setter Shie Saet.
