MANILA – D’Navigators-Iloilo survived a tough challenge from newcomer Chichi DHTSI Brotherhood for a 21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, 15-6 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday.
Kyle Villamor shone as the game’s best player, finishing with 21 points, including 18 attacks and three blocks as D’Navigators-Iloilo opened their campaign on a winning note.
Villamor credited the team’s communication for their ability to stage a comeback, especially in the decisive fifth set, where they pulled away after a struggling start to claim the win in commanding fashion.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect game. You can’t execute everything in a match exactly as you do in training. But with strong communication, we were able to adjust and get the win,” said Villamor.
Despite being favored to breeze past the DHTSI squad, D’Navigators struggled early, dropping the opening set. However, they regained their composure with back-to-back dominant sets, taking a 2-1 lead.
After losing the fourth set, the D’Navigators overcame early struggles in the fifth set to secure victory, using a pivotal 8-0 run, ignited by Steven Sta. Maria, to shift the momentum, allowing D’Navigators to cruise to the win.
“Medyo pangit ‘yung umpisa. Hindi ko alam, mahirap i-explain kasi nag-training naman kami. From the very start, maganda naman ang training. ‘Di ko alam kung ano ‘yung naging cause, naging mabigat,” said D’Navigators-Iloilo head coach Boyet Delmoro.
Jayvee Sumagaysay backed up Villamor offensively contributed 13 points, Madz Gampong and Barbie San Andres each tallied 12, while Rash Nursiddik chipped in 10 points.
Matt Miguel led Chichi with 17 points, while Jonathan Sorio and Christian Alicante chipped in 13 points each./PN
