MANILA – D’Navigators-Iloilo fell short of a podium finish in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after a 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 loss to Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography AJAA Spikers in Game 2 of battle-for-bronze series at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Iloilo City-based spikers were denied a bronze medal finish even if they beat the AJAA Spikers, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 22-25, in Game 1 last Wednesday due to superior set ratio.
After being beaten by the Ilonggos in Game 1, the AJAA Spikers responded mightily in Game 2 as they opened the match with a 11-3 advantage en route to the six-point victory in the first set.
The D’Navigators, with Jade Disquitado on the firing end, tried to fight back in the next, forcing a 14-all count, only to yield in the face of the AJAA Spikers’ strong finishing kick anchored on Francis Saura and Ridz Muhali.
Ridz Muhali put up a 13-point showing for the AJAA Spikers, Kim Malabunga and Hero Austria chipped in 12-point outputs each, while Libero Rikko Marmeto also came up with 20 receptions and 16 digs.
“What happened noong tinalo kami ng Iloilo was a lesson for our team. I told my players we have to get this game in three sets para makuha ‘yung bronze,” said Imus head coach Sammy Acaylar.
The AJAA Spikers also slowed down Disquitado, who exploded with 30 points in Game One but settled for a 21-point effort this time, going 19-of-39 in attacks, while Rash Nursiddik finished with seven points.
Despite falling short of taking home a medal to Iloilo City, head coach John Kenneth Panes remains proud of his wards with their overall performance in their first conference in Spikers’ Turf.
“We are blessed because we have reached this far. My players have been gradually working hard. Our dream in our first season here in the Spikers’ Turf is to make it to the Top Four,” said Panes.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers bagged the Spikers’ Turf championship with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 28-30, 15-7 victory over Cotabato Spikers in Game 2 of their series to complete a 15-0 sweep in the conference./PN
