Iloilo pulled a massive reverse sweep against Sta. Rosa, 19-25, 21-25, 28-26, 26-24, 15-13, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf All-Filipino Conference at the Paco Arena, Friday night.
The D’Navigators found themselves in an early 0-2 hole but Jade Disquitado, Rash Nursiddik, and Jerome Cordez connived to help them take the next three sets en route to their sixth win in as many games.
Disquitado fired 24 attacks for 25 points to go along with eight excellent digs while Cordez and Nurssidik provided 18 and 16 points, respectively, for Iloilo.
“Kaya naman talaga. Actually, kaya naman. May times lang na complacent masyado saka masyadong nagre-relax. Pero nung ginawa naman nila nang maayos yung game nila nakita naman na kaya talaga,” said D’Navigators head coach John Kenneth Panes.
The Lions made it a one-point game in the fifth frame, 12-13, after Axel Book converted a crosscourt attack which was followed by a net violation on Iloilo. However, Sta. Rosa failed to capitalize on the situation as Mfena Gwanza scored on a quick hit to put the D’Navigators at match point.
Yoyong Mendoza cashed a crosscourt hit to keep the Lions in the game but Gwanza answered back and ended the game with another quick.
“Sabi ko gawin nila yung role nila, gawin nila yung part nila kasi lahat sila may role diyan sa court. Gawin lang nila yung part nila, mag-trabaho sila, at makinig lang sila,” added Panes.
Gwanza finished with 10 markers while Deanne De Pedro added nine points along with nine digs. JM Apolinario tossed 25 excellent sets in the win
On the other hand, Andrie Bakil and Mendoza paced Sta. Rosa with 22 and 19 points, respectively, as the Lions dropped to 3-5.
Iloilo takes on Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography on Wednesday at 5:30 PM while Sta. Rosa eyes bounce back against NU-Archipelago Builders earlier that day at 3:00 PM.
