Francis Saura stepped up in the clutch, delivering three pivotal points to spearhead Iloilo’s fightback in the fourth set as the D’Navigators edged past the Savouge Aesthetics Spin Doctors, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-23, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena Sunday.
Facing the looming threat of blowing a 2-0 set lead and being forced into a decider, the D’Navigators turned to Saura, who unleashed consecutive powerful attacks followed by an ace, igniting a crucial 5-0 run that turned an 18-21 deficit into a two-point advantage.
Despite Norwel Sanama’s efforts to keep Savouge in contention with a well-placed cross-court attack, a subsequent service error allowed Iloilo to reach match point.
Although Sherwin Caritativo salvaged a point for the Spin Doctors, Arvin Estomata sealed the victory with a decisive kill as the D’Navigators notched their second straight win in an inspiring start to their title aspirations in the league organized by Sports Vision.
“Talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin ng husto. Actually nung third set medyo nag-relax eh, kaya sabi ko nung fourth set kailangan makuha na,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro.
“Sa awa naman ng Diyos, nakinig naman sila sa mga instructions. Nung nag-timeout ako (4th set) nagbigay ako ng instruction na sabi ko kailangan kumapit kami,” added Delmoro.
Saura finished with a game-high 20 points, powered by 14 successful attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Edward Camposano contributed 12 points, 16 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs, and Kent Sabando and Rash Nursiddik chipped in nine markers each in their one-hour, 49-minute victory.
Iloilo shoots for its third straight win against Maverick on April 3 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo.
Meanwhile, the Spin Doctors suffered its second straight loss and dropped to 1-2.
Caritativo came off the bench to score 14 points. He also finished with 11 excellent receptions and five excellent digs, while Sanama had 13 points, all from attacks.
The Spin Doctors will try to end their slump when they take on the PGJC-Navy Seaslion, also on April 3.
