Iloilo's journey in the 2023 Spikers' Turf Open Conference has been nothing short of remarkable. As a debuting team comprised of young players, they were not even considered early title favorites by experts and analysts alike. However, the D'Navigators proved everyone wrong by securing a spot in the Top Four and a chance at a podium finish.
But their road to the Finals was cut short after a heartbreaking loss to AMC-Cotabato in the points ratio tiebreak system. Settling for the battle for bronze, Iloilo is now gearing up to face Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography in a best-of-three series.
The Imus team is one of only two teams that Iloilo has yet to defeat this conference, but head coach John Kenneth Panes is determined to break that pattern.
Panes emphasized that all his players should click, not just their budding superstar, Jade Disquitado. Disquitado has been outstanding in their games against AJAA Spikers, dropping 32 and 30 points, respectively. However, both performances fell short in securing a win for Iloilo.
"If one player is lost, we will surely lose. Jade is the only one who wants to fight, and the others are not connecting," said Panes.
Iloilo will make the necessary adjustments before Wednesday's game, and Panes hopes that his players will work together as a team and exhibit discipline and respect on the court. For a young team like Iloilo, making it to the Top Four is already a huge achievement, but they are not content with just that.
"We are blessed because we have reached this far. My players have been gradually working hard. Our dream in our first season here in the Spikers' Turf is to make it to the Top Four," said Panes.
Whether they win or lose in the battle for bronze, Iloilo has already made their mark in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference. They have shown that age and experience do not always equate to success, and that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
