Cagayan gains Shakey’s V-League semis

CAGAYAN Valley played minus its head coach but still forged a straight-set triumph over Philippine Navy, 25-17, 25-17, 25-19, to secure a semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Open yesterday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Joy Cases scored 10 kills, four aces and a couple of blocks in a 16-point effort that powered the streaking Rising Suns to a 5-2 record.

Sandra delos Santos and Honey Tubino combined for 25 points as the Rising Suns joined leaders Sandugo-San Sebastian (6-0) and defending champion Philippine Army (5-1) in the Final Four.

In the second game, Ateneo outlasted winless Far Eastern University, 22-25, 15-25, 25-21, 26-24, 18-16, to boost its semifinal bid.

Alyssa Valdez fired 25 points, including a decisive kill that shattered the 16-16 deadlock in the final frame.

Fille Cainglet also tossed in 22 markers, 20 off spikes, to help the Lady Eagles come back from two sets down.

Ateneo arrested a three-game slide to zero in on the last semifinal slot with a 3-4 card.

Despite the Rising Suns’ winning streak, Cagayan assistant coach Sherwin Bariuan said the team could have pulled off a stronger finish.

“We won but we didn’t close the game the way we expected it,” said Bariuan, who called the shots as Mike Rafael mentored Perpetual Help in the NCAA beach volleyball finals.

Cagayan, which has yet to drop a set in its winning run, also overwhelmed Navy on attacks, 41-25.

The Lady Sailors skidded to 1-6, while the Lady Tamaraws remained winless in seven games.