V-League: Air Force turns back Ateneo behind Macatangay

MANILA—Cherry Macatangay fired a personal conference-high 25 points as Air Force pinned a first loss on Ateneo with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-20, 31-29 upset last night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference before a big Sunday crowd at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The veteran internationalist built her output around 22 kills and three service aces while teammate Aiza Maizo ably backed her up with 20 points as Air Force finally broke into the win column after three games.

The Lady Eagles lost for the first time since the semifinals of the first conference when they yielded to Perpetual Help via forfeiture.

Earlier, San Sebastian, drawing superb efforts from imports Lauren Ford and Jeng Bualee, smashed Perpetual Help, 25-18, 25-17, 25-13

Lethargic and disorganized in their three-set loss to Navy last Thursday, the Lady Stags proved relentless right from the get-go en route to the comprehensive victory in just 58 minutes.

SSC also drew six hits from Rubie de Leon while Joy Benito, Janette Doria and Jill Gustilo added five points apiece to complete the Lady Stags’ domination of the Altas.

San Sebastian improved to 2-1 to gain a share of second with Ateneo, while Perpetual Help remained winless in three games.

Jennifer Manzano wound up with 12 points, while Amy Guanco and Liza Deramos chipped in seven hits each for Air Force, which overcame a 3-11 deficit in blocks.

Air Force’s stirring win put to waste the career game of Ateneo star Fille Cainglet, who finished with 26 points.

There was no shortage of firepower for the Lady Stags, who scored 45 points off attacks, which was almost double of the Altas’ output.