Cagayan takes V-League bronze at expense of Meralco

PHOTO by TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Cagayan Valley dispatched a spirited Meralco, 25-14, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, to grab the bronze medal of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Sunday morning at the Arena in San Juan.

Marivic Meneses found the spot in the middle of the Lady Spikers field with a well-placed tap shot that gave the Lady Rising Suns the third-place medal.

Cagayan head coach Nes Pamilar said the third place finish was an “okay” one especially with key players playing sparingly during the eliminations.

“It was okay, it wasn’t bad,” Pamilar said. “We still got the bronze even with some of our players sitting out most of the conference due to injury.”

Pamilar stressed the importance of team captain Angeli Tabaquero who missed most of the conference with a right shoulder injury.

“We didn’t have someone who can really carry the team and give that leadership on the floor.”

Meralco managed to take the third set, their only won set against Cagayan in the conference, behind the performance of the veteran Cha Cruz.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, who finished with 21 points, gave Cagayan the 24-18 match point with a powerful cross-court strike.

Janine Marciano and Rosemarie Vargas added 16 and 15 points apiece for Cagayan.

Cruz led Meralco with 15 points while Stephanie Mercado added 10.