MANILA – Iloilo D’Navigators ended their 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign on a positive note as they defeated Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles, 25-17, 25-15, 25-19, on Sunday night at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Kyle Villamor spearheaded the offense with 13 points for the D’Navigators, which bowed out of quarterfinals contention following their loss to powerhouse Sta. Elena Nationals last week.
Giles Torres also made his presence felt with nine markers for the Joshua Sabitchana-mentored D’Navigators, which got point contributions from 11 of the 14 players fielded in.
The D’Navigators played pressure-free as they took advantage of their manpower edge over the Blue Eagles, imposing their will early on their way to completing a straight-set romp.
“Alam naman namin na kahit na whatever the result is, hindi talaga kami makakapasok sa top two because of unfortunate results sa last games,” Sabitchana said in a post-game interview.
“Siguro yun yung naging advantage, nag-enjoy kami at there was no pressure,” added the new D’Navigators head coach, who saw his team improve to a 2-3 win-loss slate in Pool A.
Jetlee Gopio top-scored for the Blue Eagles with 12 points, including three blocks, while Kennedy Batas delivered 11 points as they failed to advance to the next round as well with a 1-3 card.
Ateneo, which played without Negrense Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio after representing the school in the ongoing UAAP beach volley tournament, will close out its campaign against Perpetual-Kinto Tyres on Friday.
Meanwhile, De La Salle U-EcoOil Green Spikers survived a league-record 47-point explosion from Ranran Abdilla as they defeated the Philippine Air Force, 37-35, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-12.
The Green Spikers secured its fourth victory in as many matches in Pool B, moving closer to the playoffs round, while the Air Force dropped to a 1-3 win-loss slate./PN
