AMC-Cotabato punched its ticket to the semifinals after sweeping Vanguard, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena, Sunday night.
Joshua Umandal fired a game-high 13 points on 11 attacks while Jayvee Sumagaysay chipped in 12 points built on six attacks, three aces, and three block.
The Cotabato Spikers improved their win-loss slate to 7-1.
Madz Gampong contributed nine points. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Steven Rotter, who made his debut for Cotabato, converted eight attacks to finish with nine points as well.
“Happy pero pagdating ng semis ayun na siguro. May game plan na ako na catered to the opponent kasi hanggang sa matapos ‘tong elims, ano talaga e… I’m working on the system and the cohesion ng players,” said Cotabato Spikers head coach Odjie mamon.
“Nag-ca-calibrate pa rin kami ng speed ng setting, height ng setting, so yun pa rin. Siguro may two games pa kami to adjust,” he added.
Cotabato joins Cignal and Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography in the semifinals while Iloilo and VNS will look to secure the final spot.
No player from the side of the Volley Hitters reached double digits in scoring with Razzel Palisoc scoring a team-high seven points.
Vanguard fell to 1-7 in the standings.
Cotabato will face Philippine Air Force on Friday at 5:30 PM. Meanwhile, Vanguard will take on Iloilo earlier that day at 3:00 PM.
