Sandugo sweeps Cagayan for V-League Open title; First title for Bualee

Veteran Thai reinforcement Jeng Bualee wins her first title in the Shakey’s V-League.

MANILA, Philippines—Sandugo-San Sebastian turned back Cagayan-Perpetual Help, 25-18 25-22 25-16, to clinch the Shakey’s V-League Season 9 Open Conference title via sweep Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Lady Stags had trouble in Game 1 but this time they hardly had a hard time winning a quick one to notch the championship.

“I wanted a sweep but I didn’t expect that we would. Based from how we’re playing, I’m confident we can win,” said Sandugo head coach Roger Gorayeb, who won his third title, second V-League crown with San Sebastian while the other with Ateneo.

Longtime Thai import Jeng Bualee, the conference’s best scorer and the Finals MVP, led her team with 14 points.

“Super-happy, first time. No champion for me [in the previous years] but it was okay. This time we’re a strong team,” said Bualee trying her best to express her feelings in English.

It was Bualee’s first title to end a seven-year misery as well as silence the naysayers.

“Maraming nagsasabi na jinx daw sa amin si Jeng pero hindi naman, nadala naman niya kami dati sa Finals,” said Gorayeb. “She’s been loyal to me and to the school. Napamahal na siya sa amin.

The Rising Suns, who stunned Philippine Army in the semifinals, made a run in the third set to cut an eight-point deficit to just two, 15-13, after an attempt by Bualee failed to cross.

But Sandugo just wouldn’t let Cagayan totally get back to its feet as it pulled away anew and for good.

Skipper Suzanne Roces scored two straight points that made it, 22-16, before a hard hit by Angela Benting put them at match point.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army tied their best-of-three series with Ateneo for third place, 25-17, 25-10, 25-18, and following Sandugo’s title-clinching win, the Lady Troopers were awarded with the bronze thanks to a superior quotient.