D’Navigators Iloilo overcame a tough challenge from Chichi DHTSI en route to a five-set, 21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, 15-6 victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The D’Navigators had a sluggish start in the final, but Steven Sta. Maria ignited an 8-0 run that completely shifted the momentum in their favor, helping them secure a hard-fought victory after an intense one-hour and 53-minute battle.
“Malaki ang naitulong, actually malaki ang naitulong nila. Lahat naman eh, lahat naman. Kaso ‘yung iba off, ‘di ko alam kung sa mindset siguro,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro, referring to bench sparkplugs Sta. Maria and Barbie San Andres.
Struggling to find points in the early goings of the fifth set, the D’Navigators turned to Sta. Maria.
He scored three points in the 8-0 rally that transformed a 2-4 deficit to a sizable 10-4 advantage in the clincher.
Matt Miguel and Kyle Villamor traded hits before the latter joined hands with Rash Nursiddik, Sta. Maria, and Jerome Lopez for the 4-1 finishing kick that sealed the win.
“Medyo pangit ‘yung umpisa. Hindi ko alam, mahirap i-explain kasi nag-training naman kami. From the very start, maganda naman ang tini-training. ‘Di ko alam kung ano ‘yung naging cause, naging mabigat,” said Delmoro.
After an error-plagued first set, the D’Navigators dominated the next two frames before the Titans punched back and delivered a thrilling performance in the fourth to push the game to the fifth set.
Villamor was a perfect fit for the starting opposite role left by Francis Saura, who bolted to Criss Cross prior to the season.
He fired a game-high 21 points on 18 attacks and three blocks to lead the D’Navigators to a 1-0 slate.
Jayvee Sumagaysay came through with 13 points, while the pair of Madz Gampong and San Andres had 12 points each in the triumph.
Nursiddik added 10 points for the D’Navigators, while Sta. Maria, who had four in the fifth set, finished with six markers.
Team captain Kim Dayandante – who was pulled out heading into the fifth in lieu of Lopez – tossed 16 excellent sets to go along with four points.
Meanwhile, Rick Adao registered 10 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
The D’Navigators will try to make it two wins in a row against DN Steel-FEU on Sunday, 6:00 PM at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Chichi was top-scored by Miguel with 17 points, while Jonathan Sorio and Christian Alicante added 13 points each in the defeat.
The Titans aim to pick up their first win when they take on DN Steel-FEU as well this Friday, 4:00 PM also at Ynares.
