CAGAYAN Valley burned itself during an experiment but managed to get out of trouble, pulling off a 25-21, 25-18, 15-25, 25-9 victory over RC Cola on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City to reach the semifinals of the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix.
After taking control in the first two sets, Cagayan tried other player combinations and the Raiders capitalized to extend the match.
"Sumubok ako na si Angge nasa harap, binago ko 'yung rotation naghanap ako ng magandang combinasyon," said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar.
Play was much easier when they switched back to normal playing formations, and the Lady Rising Suns moved on to set up a semifinal showdown with TMS Philippine Army.
Thai reinforcement Patcharee Saengmuang scored 19 points to lead four other players in double figures for Cagayan Valley.
Fit-again Angge Tabaquero chipped in with 14, Aiza Maizo-Fontillas added 13, while Pau Soriano Wenneth Eulalio each had 10.
"Si Angge 100 percent na siya sa laro kaya 'yung rotation nagagawa ko na andon siya at nasa labas siya," he added.
Cagayan won without hard hitting Thai guest player Wanida Kotruang, who hurt her knee in a four-set loss to PLDT MyDSL on Sunday.
But Pamilar assured it's nothing serious, and that Kotruang only needs some rest.
"Wala naman injury, muscle spasms lang sa tuhod," he said. "Ok naman nakita ko namang kakayanin nila Angge so pinahinga ko na (si Kotruang)."
Thai import Kaewbundit Sontaya made 16 points for RC Cola, while Chinese reinforcement Minghua Zhang had 14.
The Raiders are winless in six matches.
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