Cagayan eyes 3rd win, solo lead vs Navy

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Province, fresh from its three-set win over erstwhile unbeaten Smart-Maynilad, braces for a tough showdown with a debuting Navy squad even as Air Force and Far Eastern U clash in a duel of winless teams in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City today.

Cagayan coach Nestor Pamilar said they expect nothing but a surprise from the Lady Sailors although he remains confident of his wards’ chances to nail a third straight win for the solo lead in the early going of the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

“Navy remains a mystery to us. But I like our chances – the team is doing well, we have good chemistry, particularly our Thai guest players setter Phomia Soraya and hitter Kannika Thipachot,” said Pamilar in Filipino.

Already boasting of talents in Aiza Maizo, Wenneth Eulalio and Angeli Tabaquero, Cagayan Province went five or six-deep upfront with the entry of Pau Soriano.

The Adamson star came away with four blocks and finished with six points in her debut – a 25-23, 26-24, 25-20 victory over the Net Spikers last Tuesday.

Tabaquero and Thipachot led Cagayan’s attack with 15 and 14 hits, respectively, with the duo expected to step up their respective games even more against the Lady Sailors in their 4 p.m. duel.

Navy will be bannered by Michelle Laborte, Kite Rosale, Abigail Praca and Janeth Serafica with coach Zenaida Chavez also hoping to draw the best from Cecille Cruzada, Francislyn Cais, Camille Cerveza, Shiesa Nebrida, Pinkee Fajardo and Aileen Suson.

Air Force and FEU collide in the 2 p.m. opener.