CAGAYAN can only hope that the long layoff will not disrupt its ruthless form.
The Lady Rising Suns return from a two-week hiatus today when they battle Air Force in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Unbeaten in seven matches in the elimination round, the Rising Suns hope to come out stronger with most of their players fresh off a big international experience with their participation in the Asian Championship.
Army also tries to close in on a semifinal spot when it clashes with Meralco in the second game at 4 p.m.
The Army Women are looking for their eighth win in nine outings against a Meralco team still harboring hopes of reaching the semifinals in its debut tournament in the V-League.
Unrelenting from start to finish, Army drubbed Philippine National Police, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, last Sunday in a game that showcased the return to form of Rachel Anne Daquis, who fired 15 points.
“We want to improve, so we’re not taking any team for granted,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.
Meralco dropped a tough five-setter to Air Force to close out the elimination-round, 20-25, 25-12, 25-23, 23-25, 10-15, last Tuesday.
Among the Cagayan players who saw action for the national team were Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero, who are also expected to spearhead the Lady Rising Suns’ attack.
The match against Air Force actually offers an interesting subplot as it pits Maizo and Tabaquero against former University of Santo Tomas teammates Maika Ortiz, Judy Ann Caballejo and Rhea Dimaculangan.