Francis Saura has been on fire in the D’Navigators’ past two games, delivering stellar performances to propel his squad to a 2-0 start in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The middle blocker-turned-opposite spiker amassed 21 significant points, including 16 attacks and five blocks, leading the D’Navigators to a four-set victory, 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19, over Air Force on March 22 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Continuing his standout play for his new team, Saura provided clutch hits, finishing with 20 points on 14 attacks, five blocks, and one ace, as his side overcame Savouge Aesthetics in four sets, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-23, at the Paco Arena on March 24.
The former National University standout is optimistic about the D’Navigators’ prospects, aiming to guide his new team to their maiden Spikers’ Turf finals appearance.
“Sana madala ko ‘tong performance na ‘to hanggang mag-semis, hopefully mag-finals. Marami pa akong pagtuunan at pagtrabahuhan sa performance ko pa performance ko para mas umangat pa,” said Saura.
Saura came to the rescue for the D’Navigators against the Spin Doctors, contributing three crucial points in a decisive 5-0 run that reversed an 18-21 deficit into a 23-21 lead.
That proved sufficient for the squad to secure their second victory of the tournament, with Arvin Estomata taking charge and sealing the win.
“Hanggat pwede, pasok ko lang tapos iaasa ko na lang sa kanila. Yun din yung maganda sa team namin nagbibigay kami ng tiwala sa isa’t isa so pag napasok ko, aasa ako sa block nila or aasa ako sa depensa namin. Humihingi lang ako ng bola lagi para makatulong sa team,” said Saura.
“Ang sinabi ko lang, balik lang kami sa basic. Kapag nagse-serve yung kalaban, balik lang kami sa pagandahin yung receive tapos pagandahin yung set. Ganun lang yung basic namin. Matagal na kaming naglalaro ng volleyball so minsan, nakakalimutan namin yung mga fundamentals ng volleyball kasi madali lang.”
