Cagayan heavy fave vs Smart

ANGGE Tabaquero of Cagayan Rising Suns misses a spike off Michelle Datuin of PNP at San Juan Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

What looked like an even championship series has tilted back in favor of unbeaten Cagayan Valley.

Ace blocker Dindin Santiago has been ruled out of the Shakey’s V League Open Conference finals, leaving Smart with an uphill climb against the Lady Rising Suns as they start their best-of-three series at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The championship opener is set at 4 p.m. today with the Lady Rising Suns putting their 14-game winning streak on the line against the Net Spikers.

Smart will be without Santiago, the National U star, who proved to be the difference in her debut for Smart, firing 19 points in a 21-25, 25-20, 25-13, 21-25, 15-10 victory over Philippine Army in the semifinal decider last Sunday.

“She was only available for yesterday’s game,” said NU athletic director Junel Baculi. “(I want her) to focus on (this month’s) Unigames and UAAP (next month).”

The Net Spikers lost their first two meetings with the Lady Rising Suns in the tournament and Santiago’s presence would have given them a boost against their rivals.

Instead, the Net Spikers are expected to again have a tough time against the Lady Rising Suns, who had a luxury of rest after sweeping Philippine Air Force in the Final Four. The break also allowed key players Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero to recover from minor injuries.

Without Santiago, the Net Spikers, will now rely more on Thai aces Phee Nok Kesinee, Jeng Kotruang and local standout Alyssa Valdez who led the way against Army with 24 points.