Mercado shines as AirAsia whips Cagayan Valley

MANILA, Philippines — AirAsia debuted in style with a dominating 25-14, 25-19, 27-25 victory over Cagayan Valley in the 2014 PLDT Home DSL-Philippine Super Liga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference volleyball tournament late Friday at Cuneta Astrodome.

Bannered by past and present La Salle players, the Flying Spikers made their presence felt early on and never looked back to capture their first win in the women’s division of the premier club tournament.

Stephanie Mercado, the daughter of Asia’s sprint queen, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, led the assault by firing 14 points, while skipper Cha Cruz chipped in 10 markers for AirAsia.

“I know them well, and that’s our biggest advantage,” said AirAsia coach Ramil de Jesus, who steered the Lady Spikers to multiple UAAP championships.

True enough, the Flying Spikers commanded the game, save for some minor bumps in the final frame where the Rising Suns managed to square the count at 25.