Rising Suns, Army reach V League final

MANILA, Philippines - Not even the presence of PLDT Home TelPad’s Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon could stop Cagayan Valley from making a return trip to the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference.

The Rising Suns went to Aiza Maizo and their defense to overcome Santiago, Aganon and the Power Boosters, 25-20, 12-25, 25-19, 26-24, and complete a sweep of their best-of-three duel for a crack at retaining the crown they won in record fashion last year.

Army also swept its way to the championship as it repeated over Air Force, 25-11, 25-20, 25-22, to arrange a showdown for the crown with Cagayan Valley in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

Rachel Ann Daquis atoned for her lackluster showing in the Lady Troopers’ four-set win in Game One Thursday, firing 11 hits in a solid backup to Jovelyn Gonzaga’s 13-point game, Mary Jane Balse’s 12-hit effort and Nerissa Bautista’s 10-point performance.

With Army’s top four in attack, the Air Spikers failed to counter with Maika Ortiz settling for nine points for the team’s best score. The Lady Troopers also pounced on their rivals’ poor reception, scoring 16 aces to complete the rout.

Game One of the best-of-three finals starts Thursday.