LIPA CITY, BATANGAS—After dropping its first two matches, Global Remit pumped life to its PNVF Champions League campaign after sweeping MRT Negros, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 at the Aquamarine Sports Complex here, Wednesday.
Global Remit, which forced a three-way tie for the second spot in Pool B, was awarded the final semis spot all thanks to its points and set ratio advantage over MRT Negros and Sabong International, respectively.
The team capped off the group stage with four points off a 1-2 standing.
“Siguro thankful kami, hanggang sa huli kumapit pa kami meron pa kaming pagasa sa semis,” said Global Remit head coach Egay Rusit.
Jet Nonoy and Matthew Salarzon scored on back-to-back plays to slice Global Remit’s lead to just one, 23-24, in the crucial third set.
Joeven Dela Vega then made the game-winning hit for Global Remit.
“Actually ang hirap bago namin nagawa ito kasi alam nga natin pandemic. Ang tagal naming nabuo. Halos three days lang yata kami nakapagbola, puro simple lang ginawa namin. Three days lang kami nakapagbola, ‘yun lang,” lamented Rusit.
“Buti nakuha namin ‘yung game. Habang tumatagal ‘yung game namin nakukuha namin nang maayos. Kumbaga ngayon lang kami nabubuo,” he added.
Dela Vega top-scored for Global Remit with 12 points. Former Ateneo standout Josh Villanueva and Alex Disquitado chipped in 11 and nine, respectively.
Meanwhile, Ish Polvorosa tossed 18 excellent sets laced with two points and three excellent digs.
On the other hand, Salarzon poured 12 points for MRT Negros along with 11 excellent receptions. Nonoy added 10 points.
Team Dasma (3-0) secured the first playoff ticket in Pool B with eight points earlier in the day.
Sabong International (1-2) placed third in the group stage after recording four points. On the other hand, MRT Negros (1-2) ended up at the fourth spot with two points.
Global Remit will take on the undefeated Go for Gold-Air Force in the semifinals on Friday at 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, MRT Negros will face Basilan in the first classification match tomorrow also at 1:30 PM.
