Iloilo made a grand introduction to the Spikers’ Turf by trouncing Philippine Air Force in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19, in the 2023 Open Conference at the Paco Arena on Wednesday.
Team captain Jerome Cordez led the charge for D’Navigators with 15 points and seven digs while Jade Disquitado, formerly of Santa Rosa, added 14 points, seven excellent receptions, and six digs.
“Credit sa mga players namin kasi syempre naglaro sila nang maayos at nakikinig naman. Sabi ko lang tandaan na beterano ‘yung kalaban nila, sila mas bata, mas kundisyon sabi ko alam niyo na ano ang advantage natin,” said Iloilo head coach John Kenneth Panes.
A late eruption by Disquitado, Rash Nursiddik, and Nas Gwaza gave D’Navigators the first frame by pulling away from a 20-20 deadlock, 25-21.
Iloilo then built a huge 20-11 lead in the second set before the Airmen, spearheaded by Ranran Abdilla, mounted a comeback to inch within a point, 23-24, but he committed a service error that handed the former the commanding 2-0 advantage.
Cordez then dominated in the third salvo, providing the final three spikes to finish the match and give D’Navigators a winning debut.
Abdilla tallied 18 points on 17 attacks and a service ace for Air Force while Edwin Tolentino chimed in with 10 of his own.
Iloilo joined Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography and Philippine Army at the top at 1-0.
Both squads will return on Sunday as D’Navigators battle reigning champions National University-Archipelago Builders at 6 pm. In the opening game, Air Force will face the AJAA Spikers.
