The D’Navigators faced an early setback but rallied in a back-and-forth extended second set before dominating the last two frames to secure a surprising 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17 victory over Criss Cross at the start of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Wednesday night.
Despite initial challenges, the D’Navigators showed their preparedness against the formidable King Crunchers, sweeping the last three sets to hack out the victory worth 3 points.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin sila, pinaghandaan talaga namin sila. Sabi ko, sa amin walang mawawala, pero sa kanila maraming mawawala,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro, instilling confidence in his players to execute their game plan effectively.
Ahead, 19-17, in the fourth frame, the D’Navigators relied on key performances from Edward Camposano and Jayvee Sumagaysay as they unloaded a decisive 4-0 run, establishing a commanding advantage. The team maintained its intensity and confidence throughout the match on its way to sealing the victory in one-hour and 49-minute battle.
"Siguro na-challenge yung mga players ko saka nagusap kami kung anong plano talaga. Sa awa ng Diyos lumabas naman. Yung intensity para manalo nandoon, confident talaga sila,” said Delmoro.
Francis Saura led the charge for the D’Navigators with 20 points, all on attacks, while Camposano and Deanne De Pedro backed him up with 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
Kim Dayandante’s exceptional playmaking skills earned him 16 excellent sets and the Player of the Game honors. He also finished with five points.
Rick Adao, on the other hand, anchored the D’Navigators’ solid defense with 22 excellent receptions, contributing to the team’s strong rebound from a five-set loss to PGJC-Navy at the close of the eliminations.
The victory also provided a significant morale boost for the D’Navigators as they prepare to face defending champion and unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers on Friday, also at the Rizal Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Marck Espejo led the King Crunchers with 15 points in a two-and-a-half set stint, finishing with 13 attacks and two aces.
Jude Garcia added 13 points on nine attacks, two aces and two blocks laced with 19 excellent receptions in the loss, while Chu Njigha added 12 markers, highlighted by four blocks.
Team captain Ysay Marasigan was held to just six points while Kim Malabunga only had four markers for Criss Cross, which will try to bounce back against PGJC-Navy, also on Wednesday.
