Young guns Vince Himzon and Jade Disquitado are the top stars in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference 2023.
The 22-year-old sophomore from Saints and Lattes-Letran was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament on Friday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
Himzon towed the Saint Spikers to a surprise fourth-place finish.
The 6-foot-1 middle blocker was second in scoring in the second round with 61 points built on 48 spikes on a 56.47-percent success rate (#1) and second in blocks with 12 at an average of 0.80 per set (#2).
Meanwhile, Disquitado, an incoming rookie, was hailed Finals MVP after converting 31 of his 54 spike attempts and logging two aces and one kill block to finish with a game-high 34 points to go along with nine excellent receptions in the final.
Joining Himzon in the “Elite Team” is fellow Letranite Bem-Bem Bautista, who was adjudged the Best Outside Spiker award after ranking third in scoring with 58.
Three HD Spikers made the team as well in JP Bugaoan (Best Middle Blocker), Joshua Umandal (Best Outside Spiker), and Manuel Sumanguid (Best Libero).
This is Bugaoan’s sixth Best Middle crown, Umandal’s first Outside Spiker award after winning two Opposite plums, and Sumanguid’s fifth Libero award.
National University-Sta. Elena was also represented in the All-Spikers’ Turf squad with Joshua Retamar winning Best Setter and Leo Ordiales nabbing the Best Opposite Spiker award.
Retamar, who tossed a league-best 5.62 excellent sets per set, took home his third-ever award for playmakers.
