CAGAYAN Valley recovered from close back-to-back setbacks with a straight-set triumph over Ateneo, 25-19, 27-25, 25-16, to tie its victim for third place in the Shakey’s V-League Open yesterday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Honey Rose Tubino fired 15 hits and Sandra delos Santos and Thai reinforcement Kunbang Pornpimol tossed in 11 markers each to lead the Rising Suns to their second victory in four games.
In the second match, Philippine Navy picked up its first win by downing Far Eastern University in a grueling five-setter, 15-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 16-14.
Mayi Prochina paced the Lady Sailors with 16 points, including 11 spikes and four blocks, while Kiteh Rosale had 12 markers.
The Rising Suns came back strong after dropping a pair of five-setters against early leaders Sandugo-San Sebastian and defending champion Philippine Army.
“We just lost our concentration in our two losses, but we stayed focused this time,” said Tubino.
The Rising Suns unloaded 43 kills, 10 more than the Lady Eagles, as Joy Cases, Gena Andaya and Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim also stepped up.
Fille Cainglet hit 12 points to pace the Lady Eagles, who blew a 24-23 lead as the Rising Suns rallied by scoring four of the next five points to take the second frame, 27-25.
The Rising Suns then came out in the third set in full control, taking a 16-10 lead on the way to an easy victory.
FEU remained the only winless squad in four games.