The winds drastically shifted towards the D’Navigators after a rough opening set, knocking down the mighty Criss Cross in just four sets, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17, to open the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals with a bang, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
After a slow start in the opener, the D’Navigators bounced back in the extended second set.
They then clinched the next two frames to take the early lead in the four-team field. The team has a 1-0 record and 3 points.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin sila, pinaghandaan talaga namin sila. Sabi ko, sa amin walang mawawala, pero sa kanila maraming mawawala,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro just moments after the emphatic victory.
Ahead by just two points, 19-17, in the fourth frame, Edward Camposano went for a searing cross-court hit.
Then Jayvee Sumagaysay scored on back-to-back blocks on Ysay Marasigan and Marck Espejo in a 4-0 run that gave their side a 23-17 advantage.
The D’Navigators didn’t have to do much in the final stretch. Jude Garcia’s attack sailed out while Espejo’s backrow attack got swallowed by the net.
That made it a 6-0 finishing kick for the team, ending the game after an hour and 49 minutes.
“Siguro na-challenge yung mga players ko saka nag-usap kami kung anong plano talaga. Sa awa ng Diyos lumabas naman. Yung intensity para manalo nandoon, confident talaga sila,” said Delmoro.
Francis Saura took charge for the D’Navigators anew after finishing with a game-high 20 points, all on attacks.
Meanwhile, the pair of Camposano and Deanne De Pedro chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
Kim Dayandante’s flawless execution on the offensive end earned him Player of the Game honors with 16 excellent sets to go along with five points.
Rick Adao held his own on defense with 22 excellent receptions for the D’Navigators, who were coming off a five-set loss to PGJC-Navy to end the eliminations.
The D’Navigators will try to sustain their momentum as they head to their rematch against defending champion Cignal, who has yet to suffer a loss this tournament.
The match takes place at 4:00 PM on Friday at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the King Crunchers (0-1) were led by Marck Espejo with 15 points, despite playing just two and a half sets, on 13 attacks and two aces.
Jude Garcia added 13 points on nine attacks, two aces, and two blocks laced with 19 excellent receptions in the loss. Meanwhile, Chu Njigha added 12 markers, highlighted by four blocks.
Team captain Ysay Marasigan was held to just six points while Kim Malabunga only had four.
Criss Cross looks to bounce back against PGJC-Navy also on Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
