CAGAYAN finally broke into the winning column, handing two-time champion Generika-Army its second straight defeat, 25-17, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, on Sunday in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference at Cuneta Astrodome.
Janine Marciano poured in 20 points and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 18 for the Lady Rising Suns, who nailed a win after three defeats.
Team captain Angge Tabaquero and Pau Soriano came up with 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Cagayan Valley.
“After ng third game namin, kinausap ko sila, natauhan naman siguro kaya nanalo na kami,” said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar.
Down by two in the fourth set, 4-6, Cagayan regained control as Tabaquero and Soriano made a 4-0 mini-run that made it 8-6.
Generika-Army kept the game close, 15-17, but the Lady Rising Suns stepped on the gas and widened the gap with an 8-2 run capped by Maizo’s back-to-back hits.
Nene Bautista finished with 15 points, Jovelyn Gonzaga had 13, and Rachel Anne Daquis contributed 12 for the Lady Troopers.
Powerhouse Army and two-time runner-up Cignal are now in now in an unfamiliar place as they share the cellar at 0-2.
“Ang hirap sabihin ng problema ng players ko pero sa ensayo maayos naman ang problema lang pag sa laro na hindi na sila kundisyon,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.
Army stars Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis rejoined the Lady Troopers after leading Far Eastern University to the title in the V-League, but the squad is still missing veteran setter Tina Salak, Joanne Bunag and Carolino sisters Michelle and Mayeth due to Army duties.
“Malaking kawalan sa amin si Tina,” he added. “Iba na rin kasi ’yung experience niya sa laro.”
De Guzman said Salak might suit up in their next game against Cignal on Wednesday.
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