It was a tough clash which resulted in a five-straight game but D’Navigators-Iloilo showed its dominance as they defeated PGJC-Navy Sealions, 28-26, 25-21, 20-25, 15-25, 15-11, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Fresh from his training camp in Taiwan, Jade Disquitado led the team after finishing with 21 points.
D’Navigators-Iloilo remains perfect with a 5-0 card. Ilonggos Mfena Gwaza and Jerome Cordez also made their presence felt for the Ilonggos with 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Rash Nursiddik also hit double-digits in scoring with 10 markers.
Contributing for the Ilonggos, John Michael Apolinario had 29 excellent sets while Johnmark Espanso had double-double 23 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
Trailing by one in the final set, D’Navigators-Iloilo went to Deanne De Pedro and Disquitado, who responded and steered the team’s big 4-0 run that allowed them to take a 13-10 lead.
According to Head coach John Kenneth Panes, his players took their opponents for granted in the third and fourth set but they are glad that his wards regained their form at the right time.IMT Sports
