Iloilo bucked every challenge brought to it by Philippine Army, before dominating in the fourth set and taking a 17-25, 25-20, 26-24, and 25-18 victory to continue their strong start in the 2023 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, Sunday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Jade Disquitado, a member of the Philippine national volleyball team pool, once again led the D'Navigators with 19 points, 18 of which were attacks. Jerome Cordez provided support with his 14 points.
Setter JM Apolinario controlled the game with 27 excellent sets and two blocks, while Neil De Pedro showcased his versatility with nine points and 14 excellent receptions.
The Troopers dominated the first set, led by Kevin Liberato, Mark Enciso, and Benjaylo Labide, ending with a score of 25-17.
After the first set, D'Navigators' head coach John Kenneth Panes said, "I told them they were lacking in their work. They needed to work harder and do their part. This can't happen or we'll lose. I'm glad they listened."
Iloilo responded to Panes' call by winning the second set 25-20 and a close third set 26-24, thanks to clutch hits from Cordez and middle blocker Nas Gwaza.
The D'Navigators finished the game with a lopsided fourth set, as Rash Nursiddik, Disquitado, and Cordez sealed the win.
Iloilo remains at the top of the league standings with a 4-0 record, ahead of idle teams Cotabato and Cignal. Meanwhile, Philippine Army drops to 2-2, still at fifth place in the 11-team league.
Coach Panes also stated, "Our job is not done yet, there is still room for improvement and we cannot be complacent. We need to keep working because we still have many remaining games."
Iloilo will have two weeks of rest as Disquitado will join the national team for a 10-day training camp in Taiwan. The D'Navigators will return on March 1 to face PGJC-Navy.
Kevin Liberato had 19 points in the losing effort, while Benjaylo Labide scored 13 points. PJ Rojas and Mark Enciso each scored 10 points, with Rojas adding 9 excellent receptions.
