By: Czarina Agaton
FEU-DN Steel overcame a second-set letdown to secure a four-set victory against D’Navigators Iloilo, winning 25-18, 16-25, 25-22, 25-20 in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena. This marks the Ultras’ second consecutive win of the tournament.
Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espertero spearheaded the offensive efforts for DN Steel-FEU, who initially dominated the first set but stumbled in the second.
However, the Ultras regrouped, easily taking the next two frames to close out the match in one hour and 49 minutes.
“Talagang nag-prepare kami maigi kila D’Navigators kasi alam natin mga veteran players ‘yung nasa kanila so sila [Jayvee] Sumagaysay, ‘yan ‘yung mga panahon na naging Best Middle Blocker during his time sa UAAP,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
He emphasized the challenge posed by experienced players like Edward Camposano and setter Kim Dayandante.
“Hindi matatawaran ‘yan kaya talagang nag-prepare kami sa kanila,” added Orcullo.
Saavedra led the charge with a game-high 21 points, complemented by eight excellent digs.
Espartero continued his impressive form, contributing 17 points with 15 attacks and two blocks.
Benny Martinez also made a significant impact, delivering 22 excellent sets, while Vennie Paul Ceballos recorded 20 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
With this win, DN Steel-FEU remains unbeaten at 2-0, taking an early lead in the standings.
The Ultras will enjoy a two-week break before facing VNS on November 3 at 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
On the other side, Edward Camposano rebounded with a strong performance for the D’Navigators. He scored 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, but it wasn’t enough as his team fell to 1-1.
Jayvee Sumagaysay added 14 points, including 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.
No other player from the D’Navigators reached double digits, with Madz Gampong and Kyle Villamor contributing nine and seven points, respectively.
The D’Navigators will aim to bounce back against powerhouse Criss Cross on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Ynares Sports Arena.
