Iloilo expects to dispatch lowly Vanguard not only to snap a two-game skid but also clinch the fourth and last semifinal berth even as Cotabato tries to find out what Fil-Am hitter Steven Trotter has in his arsenal when it faces Air Force in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena today (Friday).
The D’Navigators looked headed to a trouble-free run to the semis by sweeping their first six games but stumbled with back-to-back losses to the Imus AJAA Spikers and the powerhouse Cignal HD Spikers.
But they are fancied to hurdle the Volley Hitters, who however will surely go all-out to end their forgettable campaign on a high note.
Vanguard is at the cellar with a 1-8 slate.
Gametime is at 3 p.m. with the D’Navigators, to be led by the heavy-hitting Jade Disquitado, all set to join the HD Spikers, the Cotabato Spikers and the AJAA Spikers in post-season play.
Meanwhile, Cotabato head coach Odjie Mamon said they will use their last two elims games to showcase Trotter’s worth.
“Hanggang sa matapos ‘tong elims I’m working on the system and the cohesion of the players. Nagka-calibrate pa rin kami ng speed ng setting, yung height ng setting, so yun pa rin, siguro may two games pa kami doon namin aayusin,” said Mamon.
“That’s why I said na mag-ka-calibrate pa ng setting, yung compatibility ng setter at attacker, siya (Trotter) actually yung tinutukoy ko. Hopefully in the coming days magkasundo na sila nung mga setters,” he added.
The Cotabato Spikers, who are coming off a dominant 25-20, 25-14, 25-23 sweep of the Volley Hitters, tangle with the Airmen (2-7) at 5:30 p.m.
