After a season marred with untimely injuries, the Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns salvaged a bronze medal finish in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference with a four set victory over the Meralco Power Spikers, 25-14, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, sweeping the best-of-three series at the FilOil Flying-V Arena.
Cagayan opposite hitter, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas topped her team in scoring for the second straight match with 21 points off 19 attacks, an ace, and a block. San Beda product, Janine Marciano paced the Cagayan offense with 16 points off 10 attacks, four aces, ans two blocks while FEU’s Rosemarie Vargas contributed 15 markers. Cagayan’s offense produced more attacks overall, 55-43 with their setter, Chie Saet, dominating her matchup as she piled up 24 excellent sets.
“Ok na rin ‘yung bronze na finish kasi ang rami talaga naming injuries ng season. Sa ngayon pagpapahingahin ko muna ‘yung mga players then after two weeks mageensayo na uli para sa Cagayan Friendship Games,” said Cagayan Coach Nes Pamilar.
Cagayan played without team captain, Angeli Tabaquero who injured her right shoulder in their elmination round match against PLDT. Cagayan also suffered injuries throughout the season to Ria Meneses, Janine Marciano, and Pau Soriano. For three games, Cagayan utilized their Libero, Sheila Pineda as an outside hitter to compensate for their lack of attackers.
Rebounding from an atrocious Game One performance, La Salle’s Cha Cruz topped the Power Spikers with 15 points, seven of which came in Meralco’s third set triumph. Her La Salle teammate, Paneng Mercado contributed 10 points while FEU’s Maica Morada contributed seven points.
After bridesmaid finishes in previous conferences, Cagayan settles for their first third place finish in the V-League. Going winless last season, Meralco is placed in fourth place with no wins against any of their fellow Top Four teams.
The Scores
Cagayan (3) – Pontillas 21, Marciano 16, Vargas 15, Soriano 9, Meneses 7, Eulalio 1, Saet 1, Benito 0, Sy 0, Pineda (L)
Meralco (0) РCruz 15, Mercado 10, Angustoa 7, Morada 7, Mara̱o 6, Cayetano 3, Guevara 2, Hernandez 2, Legacion 2, Hingpit 0, Reyes (L)
