Cagayan outlasts Meralco to gain lead in bronze medal chase

Photos by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Cagayan is one win away from the bronze medal after trumping Meralco, 25-24, 25-21, 25-23, in the first match of their battle-for-third series in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference on Thursday afternoon at Arena in San Juan City.

Unassuming setter Relea Saet gave the clincher for the Lady Rising Suns with a service ace that gave Cagayan a 1-0 series lead.

Cagayan head coach Nes Pamilar said he nudged his players only a little bit in the motivation department to finish the conference.

“I just told them ‘these are the last games of the tournament and we have to do good,'” Pamilar said.

Meralco started the third set strong with a 7-1 start with Stephanie Mercado scoring off the Cagayan block.

Cagayan, however, finished stronger with three straight points to close the match.

Janine Marciano was the high-point woman with 17 points for Cagayan while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 16.

Faye Guevara led Meralco with 14 points. RC