Maizo keys Cagayan’s win over PNP in V-League

MANILA, Philippines – Cagayan leaned on the explosive performance by Aiza Maizo in the absence of Angeli Tabaquero and Pau Soriano as it walloped Philippine National Police, 25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, to extend its amazing streak to 11 in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Tuesday.

Maizo, a former league season and finals MVP four years ago and the heart and soul of the Santo Tomas team that won a UAAP championship in 2009, unleashed 24 hits spread from 19 kills, three blocks and two service aces as the Rising Suns remained unscathed in 11 outings.

Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar rested Tabaquero, who was in uniform but did not play, and Pau Soriano, who was out due to her studies at Adamson.

Pamilar also used Thai import Kannika Thipachot, who saw action only in the first set and late in the fourth set and finished with seven hits.

"We're trying to preserve our energy going into the homestretch where the real battle begins," said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar in Filipino.

Sandra delos Santos, former NCAA MVP, and Analyn Benito, who played college ball for San Sebastian, filled the huge void left by Tabaquero, Soriano and Thipachot by scattering 12 and 10, respectively.

The Lady Patrollers gave the Rising Suns some anxious moments in the first two sets before falling in the end.

PNP, however, fought back strong in the fourth when it managed to snatch a set and stay in the game.

In the fourth, Pamilar heard alarm bells and sent in Thipachot, who helped Cagayan in wrapping things up.

The loss sent the Lady Patrollers, who were led by Thai reinforcement Sangmuang Patcharee's 17, Frances Xinia Molina's 14 and Janine Nicole Marciano's 11, to their eighth defeat against 10 outings and out of the semis hunt.