Rising Suns keep hot streak going

CAGAYAN Valley punched its ticket to the semifinals with plenty to spare after rallying past Air Force, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, yesterday in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference quarterfinals at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Rising Suns bucked the absence of Thai attacker Kannika Thipachot in the second set to stay unbeaten in eight games and pin a second straight loss on the Air Women.

Fresh from a stint in a tough international tournament, Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero combined for 31 points while Shiela Pineda stepped up in the absence of Thipachot, finishing with nine hits.

Later, Army also clinched a semifinal seat after downing Meralco, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19.

Rachel Daquis had 19 points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga added 11 hits for the Lady Troopers, who streaked to their fifth straight win. Phomia Soraya delivered 42 excellent sets.

“We’ve been putting extra work that’s why we’re playing especially with our floor defense and blocking,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman whose wards improved to 8-1.

The Power Spikers, led by Coco Wang with 19 hits, lost for the third straight time and remained in fifth slot.

The Lady Rising Suns were locked in a tight contest with the Airwomen in the second when Thipachot left the game due to dehydration.

Air Force dropped two straight for a 5-4 record.