Tough Navy foils Ateneo bid to gain semis seat

CAGAYAN Rising Stars’ Joy Cases (12) fumbles a reception as libero teammate Jheck-Jheck Dionela (left) moves in to provide support in yesterday’s match. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Philippine Navy foiled Ateneo’s first try to nail the last semifinal berth, 25-21, 19-25, 27-25, 25-23, in the Shakey’s V-League Open yesterday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Kiteh Rosale capped her 19-point effort with the game-clinching kill, while Mayi Prochina and Ailene Suson combined for 22 for the Lady Sailors.

“We didn’t expect to beat them because they really have a strong lineup,” said Navy coach Nene Ybañez after the Lady Sailors stunned the first conference champions.

“I just told them to give a good fight.”

The Lady Eagles, though, played with a depleted lineup as several players including team star Fille Cainglet missed the game due to school commitments.

Earlier, Cagayan Valley also stunned defending champion Philippine Army, 23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17, to forge a tie for second.

Kunbang Pornpimol fired all but three of her 20 points on spikes, while Joy Cases and Sutadta Chuewulim hit 17 points each to lift the Rising Suns from a set down.

“We really focused on our blocking in this game,” said Cagayan coach Mike Rafael. “I think now we even have a chance to get the number one spot.”

The Lady Sailors improved to 2-6, just a game behind the Lady Eagles’ 3-5 record.

Although Ateneo has two more shots to complete the Final Four cast, the Lady Eagles face tough assignments in the Lady Troopers and Rising Suns.

The Rising Suns, the newcomers who stretched their winning run to five, pulled off the upset even with league top scorer Sandra delos Santos held to just eight points.

Both the Rising Suns and Lady Troopers came into the game already assured of Final Four slots along with league-leader Sandugo-San Sebastian (6-1).

But the Lady Troopers were favored to stop the streaking Rising Suns just two days after they snapped the Lady Stags’ unbeaten run.