Super Liga: Power Attackers dispatch Cagayan Province in four sets

MANILA, Philippines – Behind 21 points from Suzanne Roces and a combined 27 markers from Maruja Banaticla and Rysabelle Devanadera, the PLDT Home TVolution Power Attackers earned their first win the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference, beating the Cagayan Province Lady Rising Suns, 25-22, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, on Sunday, May 25, at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Cagayan Valley was led by Aiza Maizo and Janine Marciano, who had 17 and 14, respectively.

The Power Attackers were stuck in a close battle with their opponents in the fourth set, but managed to go up 22-18 following a Marciano score. 

However, Cagayan would strike back, tying the set at 22-apiece, three more away from forcing a deciding fifth set.

Those plans were quickly nixed by PLDT, who put an end to the game thanks to a couple of kills from Charo Soriano, who totaled five points, and Marciano, late in the game.

The Power Attackers now improve to 1-1, while the Lady Rising Suns fall to a 0-2 hole.

“Ayaw nila magpatalo,” said PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb about Cagayan Valley, after the game. (They didn’t want to give in)

“Mas naging aggressive kami,” (We were more aggressive) he added, when inquired how his club pulled out the W.

PLDT raced off to a quick 1-0 lead after winning the first set, while Cagayan had to make due early without Shiela Pineda and Pau Soriano – two very important pieces – both of whom were late due to their battle for third game in the Shakey’s V-League tournament.

Pineda and Soriano returned in time for the second set, but Cagayan Valley failed to tie the game, falling to a 0-2 deficit. The Nes Pamilar-coached squad fought back to win the third period, but it was their lone victory.

“Okay lang,” remarked Coach Gorayeb after the game, when asked whether or not he minds not winning via sweep. “Hindi kailangan manalo nang three sets.” (We don’t need to win by winning all three sets)

Soriano had eight points for the losing side, while Angeli Tabaquero contributed five. – Rappler.com