It was an intense battle between two hungry teams, but D’Navigators-Iloilo fell short from the hands of Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography AJAA Spikers in Game 2 of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after a 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Placing fourth in the tournament, the Iloilo City-based spikers were denied a podium 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.
The AJAA Spikers started the opening match with an 11-3 blitz en route to a six-point first set win. The D’Navigators led by Jade Disquitado 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.
With so much effort, 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.
Disquitado who finished 30 points in Game 1 was limited from scoring. But despite being beaten, he contributed 21 points this time, going 19-of-39 in attacks, while Rash Nursiddik finished with seven points.
According to Head coach John Kenneth Panes, he is proud for the team’s achievement, given that they only play as a rookie squad.
“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.
In the battle for championship, 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.IMT Sports
