Francis Saura has been on a tear in the D’Navigators’ past two games, delivering impressive performances to propel his squad to a 2-0 start in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The middle blocker-turned-opposite spiker posted 21 significant points with 16 attacks and five blocks, leading the D’Navigators to a four-set victory of 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19 over Air Force on March 22 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Saura continued to make his mark for his new squad, providing clutch hits and finishing with 20 points, including 14 attacks, five blocks, and one ace, to help his side turn back Savouge Aesthetics in four sets, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-23, at the Paco Arena on March 24.
The former National University standout is aiming for big achievements with the D’Navigators, hoping to lead his new squad to their first-ever Spikers’ Turf finals appearance.
“Sana madala ko ‘tong performance na ‘to hanggang mag-semis, hopefully mag-finals. Marami pa akong pagtuunan at pagtrabahuhan sa performance ko para mas umangat pa,” said Saura.
Saura came to the rescue for the D’Navigators against the Spin Doctors, scoring three points in a pivotal 5-0 run that turned an 18-21 disadvantage into a 23-21 lead.
That proved to be enough for the squad to secure their second win of the tournament as Arvin Estomata took over and sealed the victory.
“Hanggat pwede, pasok ko lang tapos iaasa ko na lang sa kanila. Yun din yung maganda sa team namin nagbibigay kami ng tiwala sa isa’t isa so pag napasok ko, aasa ako sa block nila or aasa ako sa depensa namin. Humihingi lang ako ng bola lagi para makatulong sa team,” said Saura.
“Ang sinabi ko lang, balik lang kami sa basic. Kapag nagse-serve yung kalaban, balik lang kami sa pagandahin yung receive tapos pagandahin yung set. Ganun lang yung basic namin. Matagal na kaming naglalaro ng volleyball so minsan, nakakalimutan namin yung mga fundamentals ng volleyball kasi madali lang.”
