Perfect 10 as Cagayan survives Smart-Maynilad

MANILA, Philippines — Perfect 10.

Before a wild and roaring crowd, Cagayan Valley worked hard for its 10^th straight win after squeaking past hard-fighting Smart-Maynilad, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 15-13 in the quarterfinals of the 10^th Shakey’s V-League Open Conference on Sunday, September 29 at the FilOil Flying V Arena.

Thai reinforcement Kannika Thipachot sizzled with 22 points on the strength of 20 spikes while drawing key contributions from locals Angeli Tabaquero, Aiza Maizo and Wenneth Eulalio who combined for 35 points.

“Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila na iba na kalaro niyo ngayon,” said Lady Rising Suns head coach Nes Pamilar, referring to his team’s recent participation in the 2013 Asian Volleyball Championships in Thailand. “Masyado nilang hinahanap yung kalaban nila sa Thailand.”

Thriller

With its defeat in the elimination round still fresh in their minds, the Net Spikers atoned for their loss in the first set behind Ateneo ace spiker Alyssa Valdez and their own Thai import Kesinee Lithawat, 25-22.

Both squads exchanged jarring blows to spilt the first 4 sets and extend the match into a 5th and deciding set.

A Shiela Pineda service ace gave Cagayan Valley a 12-9 lead before Smart-Maynilad lived and died with Gretchel Soltones’ service.

Soltones scored on an ace but committed a costly service error in the next play for an 11-13 count in favor of the Lady Rising Suns.

The Net Spikers had one last chance to steal the win as Tabaquero’s hit went outside to knot the match, 13-13.

Maizo shoved the Lady Rising Suns into match point with an attack from the right flank, 14-13 before Tabaquero clinched the match with a kill that went in, sending the Cagayan Valley gallery into frenzy.

“Ang service na ganun ay hindi 100% (Will go in), hinihintay ko na nga lang na mag-error,” added Pamilar of Soltones’ jump serve.

Valdez led Smart-Maynilad with 22 points while Kesinee added 15 for the Net Spikers, who dropped to 4-4. – Rappler.com