Cagayan, Smart-Maynilad begin title duel

MANILA, Philippines - Though she showed up and helped make things happen for Smart-Maynilad in its do-or-die game against Army last Sunday, Din-Din Santiago remains a doubtful starter when the Net Spikers open their best-of-three series with the unbeaten Cagayan Province Rising Suns for the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference crown today at The Arena in San Juan City.

“We’re not sure if she can play in the finals,” said Smart-Maynilad coach Roger Gorayeb after the Net Spikers, with Santiago banging away 19 hits, including three blocks, outlasted the Army Women in five to clinch the other finals berth Sunday.

“It would be nice if she’ll be allowed to play again since we really need her. Aside from providing the team added scoring threat, she’s a big factor in defense because she’s tall and has long reach,” said Gorayeb of his prized 6-foot-1 ward, who led NU to its first-ever Shakey’s V-League crown in the First Conference last May where she also bagged the MVP plum.

However, she was only reportedly allowed to play during weekends as the Lady Bulldogs gear up for the upcoming UAAP wars.

With or without Santiago, however, Cagayan is more than prepared to take on Smart-Maynilad with the Rising Suns raring to extend their win run to 15th after sweeping the elims and the quarters and the Air Force side in the best-of-three Final Four of the season-ending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

Cagayan beat Smart-Maynilad in their two meetings this conference, winning in the elims in three before pulling off a thrilling five-setter in the quarters that highlighted their impressive sweep of 14 games to reach the finals of the tournament backed by Mikasa and Accel.

But with Santiago, the Net Spikers could match the Rising Suns dreaded power-hitting troika of Kannika Thipachot of Thailand and former UST stalwarts Angeli Tabaquero and Aiza Maizo.

That could well turn the title series into a duel of power-hitters although Santiago has proven she could be as potent as a net defender as she is on the attack with her talent, skills and reach. Santiago’s V-League stint is also expected to further hone her up heading to the UAAP battle.

It could also become a clash of top coaches with both Gorayeb and Cagayan’s Nes Pamilar expected to spring a surprise or two to startle the other side’s play patterns. Bench support is also crucial with Pamilar hoping to draw the best from Sandra delos Santos, Joy Benito, Wenneth Eulalio, Shiela Pineda, Pau Soriano, setter Phomia Soraya and libero Angelique Dionela.