AIZA Maizo and Sandra de los Santos took charge as Cagayan Valley opted to rest its other stars, powering the Rising Suns to a 25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21 win over the Philippine National Police in the quarterfinals of the Shakey's V-League Season 10 Open Conference on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Former league MVP Maizo came out firing after struggling in the past few games, pouring in 24 points from 19 spikes, three blocks and two service aces as the Lady Rising Suns outgunned the Lady Patrolers to record their ninth straight win.
De los Santos of Perpetual Help also shone with 12 points, while San Sebastian’s Joy Benito added 10 for the Lady Rising Suns, which did not field skipper Angge Tabaquero, and Pau Soriano, while sending Thai reinforcement Kannika Thipachot in for only a few minutes as they prepare for a tough showdown with second-running Army.
Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar was glad to see Maizo regain her rhythm, saying the former MVP had struggled to readjust her game to the local style of play after seeing action in the Asian Championships with the Power Pinays in Nakhon Ratchasima.
"Si Aiza andoon na 'yung laro niya, 'yung blocking (niya) ulit," said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar. "Tama na ulit 'yung blocking niya hindi kagaya noong dumating kami dito galing Thailand."
Tabaquero needed the rest due to a shoulder injury but she still showed up for the match, while Soriano was given the green light to skip the game due to a school obligation.
"Masaya naman ako nag-step up sila, si Joy maganda ang nilaro, si Sandra nag-step up naman," said Pamilar.
Patcharee Sangmuang came up with 17 points, while Frances Molina and Janine Marciano had 14 and 11 markers, respectively for PNP, which bowed out of the tournament with two wins in 10 outings.
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