D’Navigators snapped its two-game slide, dispatching also-ran RichMarc Sports 3B in a decisive 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 victory and forcing a tie at the third spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena Wednesday.
It was a big bounce-back win for the D’Navigators, who came off consecutive losses to semifinalists the Cignal HD Spikers and the Criss Cross King Crunchers following a sweep of their first four games.
With a 5-2 record, they tied the PGJC-Navy Sealions at third spot, just ahead of the fifth-running Savouge Aesthetics Spin Doctors, who hold a 4-3 slate.
“Dapat talaga mag-straight sets namin ito para medyo maganda yung standing namin,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro, whose wards will face the Sealions in a crucial showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.
“Actually, siguro wake-up call namin yung dalawang talo na yun. Nag-usap kami at nag-prepare kami para in case na makapasok (sa semis) ready kami sa kanila. Kinapos kami eh, lumaban pero kinapos,” added Delmoro.
The D’Navigators upcoming match with the Sealions promises to be a test of their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Francis Saura took charge for the D’Navigators, scoring 11 points, showcasing a mix of attacking prowess, blocking finesse and serving skills, while Justine Santos tallied 10 points on six attacks, three blocks and an ace in their 78-minute victory.
Kent Sabando scored eight points in the last two sets while Edward Camposano and Rash Nursiddik chipped in five points each.
Meanwhile, the Elite Spikers remained winless in seven games.
Veteran middle blocker Bonjomar Castel led the charge with nine points while the pair of Kernel Ipulan and Mel De Guzman added seven points apiece for RichMarc Sports 3B, which will aim to salvage their campaign against the 1-5 Maverick also on Sunday.
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