MANILA – D’Navigators-Iloilo continued its slump in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference as they suffered a 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22 beating from AMC-Cotabato Spikers on Sunday night at Paco Arena.
It was the Ilonggos’ third defeat in the last four matches as they ended the single-round elimination with a 7-3 win-loss record and will face the same Cotabato team in the semifinals round.
D’Navigators-Iloilo tied Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography AJAA Spikers in the standings but the former has superior set ratio over the latter which is why the latter dropped to fourth seed.
“Natalo man kami pero napag-aralan namin sila,” said D’Navigators-Iloilo head coach John Kenneth Panes. “Gagawin namin ang lahat ng makakaya namin come semifinals round.”
Jau Umandal spearheaded the offense with 18 points, on 14 attacks, three blocks and a service ace, to go with 12 excellent receptions as Cotabato finished at second place with 9-1 win-loss record.
Rex Intal chipped in 10 points. On five attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Jayvee Sumagaysay and Steven Rotter had 10 points apiece as well in Cotabato’s fourth straight victory.
“I think they’re ready. We are ready for the semifinals so come semifinals meron na kaming game plan specifically targeting the opponents na,” said Cotabato spikers head coach Odjie Mamon.
“No bearing ‘to even if we lose in three, four, or five sets we’re still number two pero pinilit kong manalo so win, win, win ang mindset heading into the semifinals and hopefully by Wednesday ma-active na rin yung mga sidelined na players,” he added.
Jade Disquitado top-scored for D’Navigators-Iloilo with 24 points, Deanne De Pedro had 10 points, 10 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs while Mfena Gwaza had nine markers which included four blocks.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers completed a 10-game elimination round sweep with a 25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22 victory over National University-Archipelago. Marck Espejo scored a game-high 16 points on eight attacks, four blocks and four aces for Cignal./PN
