Shakey’s V-League: Cagayan still rising

Team chemistry may just be Cagayan Valley’s edge again when it vies for a second straight championship in Season 12 of the Shakey’s V-League.

The Rising Suns still boast the core of former MVP Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Angeli Tabaquero, Pau Soriano, Shiela Pineda, Rosemarie Vargas and Gyzelle Sy, thus making them as one of the favorites in the Open Conference starting Sunday.

“We have the chemistry and my players are so familiar with each other’s game since they’ve been together for years,” said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar.

But PLDT, led by the powerhouse duo of UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo and National University ace Jaja Santiago, and the Philippine Army, bannered by veterans Rachel Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mary Jean Balse, may pose the biggest challenge to the Rising Suns’ bid.

“This year’s field is strong but I think Army and PLDT will be the teams to beat owing to their respective lineups,” said Pamilar. “Like us, Army has also been intact for years.”

The Rising Suns kick off their title bid versus Fourbees-Perpetual Help at 12:45 p.m. at Filoil Flying V-Arena in San Juan.

Also battling in the triple-header are the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy at 2:45 p.m. and PLDT Home Ultera and Baguio at 4:45 p.m.

Joy Benito and Janine Marciano will also suit up for Cagayan along with Wenneth Eulalio, Relea Saet, Marivic Meneses, Patricia Anunciation, Elaine Sagun and Charlene Gillego.

The eight-team field will clash in single round-robin eliminations. The top four advance to the semifinals. Jasmine W. Payo