The Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns were ruthless in their straight-sets triumph over the Baguio Summer Spikers 25-11, 25-9, 25-11, at the San Juan Arena.
It didn’t take long for each set to unfold into a Cagayan Valley Volleyball clinic. Whether it was former UAAP Best Scorer, Aiza Maizo’s unstoppable offense in the first set, current UST Tigress Ria Meneses’ dominion over the net in the second frame, or setter Chie Saet’s auspicious serving in the the game’s final set, Cagayan’s triumph was never in doubt.
A maestro of game management, Cagayan coach, Nes Pamilar was able to give all of his players two sets of action each. Named UAAP Season 77’s Best Blocker, Ria Meneses, led all scorers with a chill 11 points off nine attacks, a block, and an ace. Team captain, Angeli Tabaquero turned-in her usual all-around brilliant game with nine points and two excellent digs while former Lady Tamaraw, Wyneth Eulalio trailed Tabaquero’s effort with eight markers.
Baguio Open Hitter Florence Madulid led her team with seven points while Roxanne Almonte had four markers.
“Siguro maganda lang ‘yung kondisyon ng team ko. Saka siyempre selection team sila ng Baguio. Iba ‘yung laro dito, iba rin ‘yung laro sa kanila, ‘yung level ng tournament,” Pamilar replied when asked about his team’s spectacular performance.
Pamilar then emphasized the importance of his team’s April 19 tilt with the fellow tournament heavyweight, PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters. “Magdo-double time na kami sa training bago yung matchup na ‘yun. Wala naman nang ibang commitment o school activities ‘yung ibang players, so makakapagensayo na kami ng kumpleto lagi. ‘Dun namin makikita kung gaano na ka-mature ‘yung pag-training namin. Kung tama na o may kulang pa. Eliminations pa lang naman so makikita pa namin kung ano pa ‘yung mga dapat naming gawing adjustment. Si Aiza [Pontillas] kanina di siya masyado nagfofocus sa depensa. Sabi ko sa kanya kanina, di pwedeng ganun lang pag mas malalakas na ‘yung mga kalaban,” Pamilar quipped.
Cagayan remains on top of the SVL with a 2-0 slate while Baguio looks to get its first win in three games on April 12 against the Meralco Power Spikers.
The Scores:
Cagayan (3) – Meneses 11, Tabaquero 9, Eulalio 8, Marciano 7, Maizo-Pontillas 6, Vargas 5, Saet 4, Sagun 3, Soriano 3, Sy 2, Benito 0, Gillego (L), Pineda (L)
Baguio (0) – Madulid R. 7, Almonte 4, Benitez 2, Rossi 2, Tsuchiya 2, Torres 1, Agudia 1, Daniel 0, Tolentino 0, Ocado 0, Madulid F. 0, Degay (L)
