Cagayan Valley targets V-League dynasty

Games Sunday

(The Arena)

12:45 p.m. – FEU vs RTU (Battle for 3rd)

2:45 p.m. – Systema vs Instituto (Finals)

MANILA, Philippines – Just a day after copping the Shakey's V-League Season 11-Third Conference title, the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns are going all out to win more.

"We should learn from this for the team to become stronger," said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar in Filipino moments after they trounced the Army Lady Troopers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 20-25, 15-9, Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

"Because our goal from here is hopefully win more V-League championships," he added.

It was actually the Rising Suns' second crown after it topped the Reinforced Conference last year.

Pamilar was all praises of his Thai reinforcements Hyapha Amporn and Patcharee Saengmuang but stressed the importance of the contributions of the local players, who eased some of the responsibility off the foreign imports.

"I have to say that our Thai players did an excellent job of carrying the team," said Pamilar.

"But I think it wouldn't have been possible if my local players didn't play their best as well," he added.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas is one of the players Pamilar was referring to as the power-hitting former Santo Tomas hotshot went on an attacking spree when most of the Army defense was focused on Amporn and Saengmuang.

For her performance, the 26-year-old Pontillas was named Finals MVP.

Pontillas, who completed a treble after she also won Conference MVP honor apart from her title and Finals MVP, however, said it was a total team effort.

It was the second time that Pontillas won all three after accomplishing the same feat five seasons ago with the Tigresses.

"I wouldn't have done it without the guidance of the coaches and the help of my teammates," she said.

Pontillas also said she drew her strength from her family back in Iloilo.

"They're my strength even though I'm far away from my son, who is being taken cared for by my parents in Iloilo," said Pontillas, referring to two-year-old son Aaron James.

Pamilar also made mention of spiker Angeli Tabaquero and setter Chie Saet for their signifcant 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," he said.