PHILIPPINE Army and Sandugo-San Sebastian pulled off contrasting victories to stay on top with perfect 3-0 records in the Shakey’s V-League Open yesterday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Troopers came out in full control in the final frame to turn back the tough-fighting newcomer Cagayan, 17-25, 25-20, 25-18, 20-25, 15-10, in the five-set thriller.
Rachel Ann Daquis fired 13 kills and three service aces in a 16-point production to share scoring honors with Michelle Carolina, who scored all but one of her points on spikes.
While the Lady Troopers needed almost two hours to wrap up the win, the Lady Stags only needed half the time in disposing Philippine Navy, 25-13, 25-18, 25-14, in the second game.
Skipper Suzanne Roces tossed in 15 points, 13 off attacks, while Angela Benting and Thai aces Utaiwan Kaensing and Jeng Bualee combined for 32 markers in Sandugo’s straight-set triumph.
The all-Filipino Lady Troopers got the tough challenge they expected from the Rising Suns, who also boast two Thai reinforcements in Sutadta Chuewulim and Kunbang Pornpimol.
But the defending champions held both imports to just a single digit as Sandra delos Santos and Honey Tubino wound up leading the Rising Suns with 20 points each.
“After we dropped the fourth set, I told them we had to toughen up on blocking and floor defense to win,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.
The Lady Troopers also had a 13-9 advantage on blocks, the last when Army skipper Cristina Salak foiled Chuewulim’s attempt to clinch the match.
Mayet Carolino also delivered 15 points for the Lady Troopers and Jacq Alarca and Joanne Bunag added 11 each.