Suns repulse HD Spikers

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Valley survived Cignal’s tough stand in the third and fourth sets and completed a thrilling 25-14, 18-25, 27-25, 25-23 victory to move to joint second in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix 2013 at the Ynares Sports Area yesterday.

Thai reinforcements Wanida Kotruang and Patcharee Saengmuang took charge again for the Rising Suns, finishing with 21 and 17 hits, respectively, while Pau Soriano delivered 11 markers and Angeli Tabaquero returned after missing four games due to shoulder and knee injuries.

Though Cagayan Valley’s skipper failed to score in a substitute role, her presence proved enough to fire up the Rising Suns, who improved to 3-1 in a tie with TMS-Philippine Army, which beat them in the Invitational tournament.

“Angeli provides the leadership and at the same time help boost the confidence of her teammates whenever she’s in the game,” said Cagayan Valley coach Nes Pamilar in Pilipino.

The HD Spikers actually threatened at 23-24 on a three-hit binge but Li Zhangzhan failed to cross the ball over, enabling Cagayan Valley to escape with the win.

Zhangzhan finished with 16 points, while fellow Chinese import Lei Xie added 13 markers and Abigail Praca chipped in 12 hits for Cignal, which slid to 2-2 in the tournament organized by SportsCore, recognized by the International Volleyball Federation with Asics, Mikasa, LGR, Jinling Sports and Solar Sports as its main supporters.