Cagayan deals Smart its first loss, grabs early lead in V-League

MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan Valley took the top spot away from erstwhile unbeaten Smart with a 25-23, 26-24, 25-20 win in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“Game plan namin is focused on our blocking. Napigil din namin mga spikers nila like Soltones and Roces,” Cagayan coach Nestor Pamilar told INQUIRER.net.

Angeli Tabaquero led Cagayan’s charge with 15 points. The Lady Rising Suns also got a solid game from Thai import Kannika Thipachot, who had 14.

Cagayan turned defense to easy offense with nine block points, four of which came from Pau Soriano.

The Net Spikers, who suffered just their first loss in four games, were unable to match the Lady Rising Suns’ firepower with prized players Dindin Santiago and Alyssa Valdez yet to parade their wares.

Aiza Maizo added 13 points for Cagayan, which improved to 2-0 after beating Air Force in its first game.

“Marami pang tinatago yung Smart pero so far tingin ko kaya naming makaabot sa quarterfinals,” added Pamilar.

Maru Banaticla carried Smart, which failed to sustain a 10-7 lead in the third set, with 15 points as Sue Roces and Gretchel Soltones were held down to just 13 points combined.