Cagayan trips PLDT in three sets; Rising Suns boost V-League bid

PAU Soriano of Cagayan Valley pierces the defense of PLDT’s Ryzabelle Devanadera in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying VArena.  AUGUST DELACRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Cagayan Valley scored a swift and merciless 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 rout of PLDT Home Telpad to close in on a finals berth in the women’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

What was expected to be a nip-and-tuck duel for the second finals spot turned out to be a mere workout for the Rising Suns who rode a blistering start and never allowed the Turbo Boosters to settle into their game.

It took just 72 minutes for Cagayan to wrap up the win as the Rising Suns improved to 3-2 and gained the inside track for the right to face Army in the finals.

With their third loss in five games, the Turbo Boosters now need to beat Army tomorrow and hope that Cagayan drops its last game against winless Meralco to forge a playoff for another shot at a finals berth.

The Turbo Boosters couldn’t find an answer to the Rising Suns’ power game with Aiza Maizo Pontillas leading the charge.
The attacks came from all angles with Thai reinforcement Amporn Hyapha adding 11 points and Saengmuang Patcharee, the other Thai import, also contributing seven for the Rising Suns.

The Turbo Boosters only had one double-digit scorer in Gretchel Soltones who had 12 hits.

Former MVP Sue Roces added eight kills while Angela Benting and Ryzabelle Devanadera combined for nine.

In men’s play, Far Eastern U played the spoiler’s role to the hilt by foiling Rizal Technological U, 25-18, 25-15, 23-25, 20-25, 15-9.

The Blue Thunder were still in the hunt for the second finals berth but the Tamaraws had other plans, delivering a solid show in the fifth set to wrap up their campaign with a 2-4 card.

The result seals the championship showdown pitting Instituto Estetico Manila (4-1) and System Tooth and Gum Care (3-1) in the maiden staging of the men’s division.