V-League: Cagayan whips UP; NU drubs Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan Valley warmed up for the tougher battles ahead by sweeping past University of the Philippines with a swift and merciless 25-15, 25-19, 25-16 victory Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League Season II Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Sustaining their fiery form, the Lady Rising Suns finished off the Maroons in just 66 minutes for their fifth victory in six games that also kept them in the hunt for top spot at the end of the elimination round.

The trio of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Janine Marciano and Pau Soriano combined for 37 hits, but coach Nes Pamilar also flashed the depth of his roster with Rosemarie Vargas and Leuseht Dawis also making significant contributions.

It was the sixth loss in as many games for the Lady Maroons, who formally kissed their quarterfinal hopes goodbye.

Later, Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo sparkled as National U spoiled another big game from Alyssa Valdez with a 25-18, 15-25, 26-24, 25-18 drubbing of Ateneo.

Santiago and Pablo combined for 24 points, but the Lady Bulldogs also got a huge lift from Rizza Mandapat, who collected 13 hits.

Their output helped offset the 26 hits fired by Valdez, who drew little support with Michelle Morente and Bea de Leon finishing with just eight and seven points, respectively.

With the victory, the Lady Bulldogs climbed into a share of fifth spot with the Air Force Raiders whom they will play tomorrow.

Despite suffering their third loss in five games, the Lady Eagles already clinched the last quarterfinal berth following the Maroons’ defeat earlier.

“We need everyone to step up because the games are just going to get tougher from here” said Pamilar. “It’s good that everyone gets their confidence and show that they’re ready to play anytime.”

The Lady Rising Suns came into the game on a high after overwhelming an Army team threatening to match their record last season.

And they left little to chance as Maizo found her groove early while Marciano and Soriano also proved lethal on attack.

Vargas added eight hits, Ma. Angeli Tabaquero scored six, Dawis chipped in five to boost the Lady Rising Suns whose lone loss came against PLDT Home Telpad.