After losing twice to the same team, Iloilo led by Jade Disquitado finally prevailed over Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Disquitado stated that their losses to the AJAA Spikers in the elimination round and semifinals fueled their four-set, 21-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 victory in Game One of the battle for bronze at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum last Wednesday.
“Oo big motivation samin yun kasi parang sa kanila kami lagi napapanghinaan ng loob kapag kalaban namin sila,” said the 18-year-old Disquitado.
“Kaya eto, nilaban na namin ngayon hanggang dulo.”
The national team pool member took over for Iloilo, unloading 34 big points built on 33 attacks to help the young Iloilo squad move closer to a bronze medal finish.
Despite his impressive performance, Disquitado said that the win was a total team effort.
Deanne De Pedro contributed 12 points along with 14 excellent receptions, while Rash Nursiddik added 11 markers on eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Mfena Gwaza had nine markers to support the red-hot Disquitado.
“Maganda yung nilaro ng bawat isa e. Pati yung communication namin sa loob saka ano e, lahat talaga gigil bumawi kasi yun nga, ‘di kami nanalo kahit isa sa game namin sa Imus tapos ayun,” bared Disquitado.
“Bale pinaghandaan talaga namin sila nang sobra kaya siguro nakuha namin ngayon.”
Disquitado also expressed satisfaction with what the team had accomplished in this conference, having pushed numerous experienced teams to their limits.
However, the former Sta. Rosa City star and the rest of the D’Navigators are still eager to finish the tournament on a high note, which is why they vowed to give their all in Game Two.
“Satisfied kami sa kung ano ‘man yung narating namin ngayon kasi ano e, first time namin [as a team] sa Spikers’ Turf. Bale yung team namin parang rookie pa lang dito so masaya kami kahit hindi kami nakaabot ng championship kasi nandito pa rin kami sa battle for third kasi first timer tapos nandito agad kami. Masaya kami dahil dun,” said DIsquitado.
“Kailangan lang namin talaga mag-tulung-tulungan para manalo sa laban sa Friday.”
