Cagayan tangles with debuting Navy today

A streaking Cagayan Valley squad shoots for a third straight victory against debuting Navy in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Rising Suns, boasting of a formidable roster that includes former collegiate stars and an experienced Thai import, hoping to follow up their three-set conquest of  Smart last Tuesday.

Air Force and Far Eastern U try to barge into the win column when they meet in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws came close last Tuesday, but eventually fell short against Meralco in five sets.

With its experienced roster, Air Force remains the odds-on pick against the Lady Tamaraws, who are using the tournament to prepare for the coming UAAP season.

Former University of Santo Tomas setter Rhea Dimaculangan, Wendy Ann Semana and Jennifer Manzano are expected to lead the Air Force attack.

Cagayan looks strong at every position and in Thai import Kannika Thipachot, the Rising Suns have a reliable attacker who can consistently deliver.

Another Thai, Phomia Soraya, has also done a fine job setting up hitters Aiza Maizo, Wynneth Eulalio and Angeli Tabaquero.

Soraya had 31 excellent sets against Smart, more than half of her counterpart Rubie de Leon.

On the defensive end, the Rising Suns can rely on Adamson standout Pau Soriano, who helped neutralize Smart’s attack with four blocks.

Navy hopes to come out fighting with its ageing yet experienced roster led by Michelle Laborte and Cecille Cruzada, who bannered the national team in the early 2000s.