Rising Suns cap big Shakey’s V-L sweep

CAGAYAN Province banked on another strong performance by Thai ace Kannika Thipachot to survive a stubborn Philippine National Police in five sets and complete a sweep of the elimination round of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Rested in the first and fourth sets, Thipachot came out strong in the decider to power the Rising Suns to a come-from-behind 22-25, 29-27, 25-13, 20-25, 15-9 victory for their seventh straight win.

Later, Smart snapped a two-game slide with a convincing 25-18, 25-14, 25-11 triumph over Philippine Navy.

Thai import Kesinee Lithawat lived up to her lofty billing, finishing with 20 points as the Net Spikers moved up to solo second with a 4-2 record.

The Net Spikers flashed a balanced attack with Suzanne Roces, Gretchel Soltones and the returning Maru Banaticla combining for 34 hits, while Rubie de Leon provided 20 excellent sets.

It was another lackluster performance for Navy, which lost for the fourth time in five games, but remained ahead of PNP and Far Eastern U in the race for the last quarterfinal spot.

Thipachot wrapped up the win with a kill against PNP’s Thai reinforcement Sangmuang Patcharee, ending the match in an hour and 47 minutes.

Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar tinkered with his lineup, allowing his local players to carry much of the load in the first two sets. But with the Rising Suns’ perfect record in danger and the Lady Patrollers growing in confidence, Pamilar recalled his Thai star, who pumped in 12 points in a limited stint.

“I just want to see how the team would perform without our Thai players,” said Pamilar, whose squad’s perfect record will be carried over to the quarterfinals. “I also want to give my other players the chance to play and perhaps gain some confidence.”

The Rising Suns yielded a set for the first time in the tournament as the Lady Patrollers drew solid efforts from Patch-aree and Janine Marciano early on.

Thipachot was finally unveiled in the second frame, joining setter Phomia Soraya and Cagayan took the next two sets, before yielding the fourth frame with its Thai players on the bench.

Aiza Maizo paced the Rising Suns with 19 points, while Wenneth Eulalio and Angeli Tabaquero pumped in 16 apiece. Getting extended playing time with Thipachot on the bench, Analyn Benito tallied a tournament personal best of 12 hits

Marciano came away with 24 hits while Patcharee ended up with 21 and Frances Molina contributed 16 points for PNP.