Suns to also rise, shine on other fronts

MANILA, Philippines - Hardly recovering from the euphoria of their latest Shakey’s V-League conquest, the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns are setting their sights on their next mission next year.

“We should learn from this (win) for the team to become stronger,” said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar after steering the Rising Suns to a vengeful victory over the Army Lady Troopers to nail the Reinforced Conference crown at The Arena last Sunday. “Because our goal from here is hopefully win more V-League championships.”

That should serve as a stern warning to Cagayan’s rivals for women’s volley supremacy in the country’s premier league sponsored by Shakey’s briefly held by the star-studded Army squad after sweeping the former in the last Open Conference finals.

But the Rising Suns proved their true worth in the Reinforced Conference, ending the Lady Troopers domination with a sweep of their best-of-three series.

True, Cagayan Valley needed the power and experience of former Thai national team mainstays Hyapha Amporn and Patcharee Saengmuang to topple the Lady Troopers but the locals also showed they are a force to reckon with.

“I have to say that our Thai players did an excellent job of carrying the team,” said Pamilar. “But I think we wouldn’t have won if my local players didn’t play their best as well.”

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, for one, held her ground against the powerhouse Army squad with the power-hitting former UST hotshot taking over when the Troopers clamped down on the Thais in defense.

For her performance, the 26-year-old Pontillas, who fired 13 hits in the series’ opener and unloaded 25 points in the title-clinching win, was named Finals MVP after copping the conference MVP honors.

“I wouldn’t have done it without the guidance of the coaches and the help of my teammates,” said Maizo-Pontillas, who also won a title and the Conference and Finals MVP plums with the Tigresses five seasons ago.

Pamilar also made mention of spiker Angeli Tabaquero and setter Chie Saet for their significant contributions.

“I told Angge (Tabaquero) I’ll reserve her for the finals and she responded. As for Chie, she really made good chemistry with our spikers particularly the Thais,” said Pamilar.

With an intact roster, which includes Pau Soriano, Rose Vargas, Gyzele Sy, Janine Marciano, Joy Benito, Wenneth Eulalio and liberos Shiela Marie Pineda and Charlege Gillego, and a winning attitude, Cagayan Valley can’t wait to rise again in the next Open and Reinforced conferences.