D’Navigators recovered from a third frame setback to upend Air Force, 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19, for a winning debut in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference in the league’s initial offering at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Friday.
Francis Saura led the D’Navigators in the victory in one hour and 58 minutes with 21 big points on 16 attacks and five blocks.
“Critical yung third set medyo nagrelax kaya nung huli hindi na kami makahabol pero nung fourth set sinabihan ko lang sila na kailangan makuha na namin,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro.
Bryan Jaleco and Louis Lumanlan connived in the third stanza, leading the Airmen to a strong start en route to a 25-17 win to extend the match.
But new acquisitions Jayvee Sumagaysay and Edward Camposano along with Saura responded for D’Navigators with a barrage of their own for the finisher.
Arvin Estomata also shone for D’Navigators with 12 points and 12 receptions while Camposano had 11 points and 15 receptions.
Middle blockers Sumagaysay and Rash Nursiddik also came through for D’Navigators with nine points apiece.
D’Navigators will only have a day to recover as it plunges back to action on Sunday against Savouge Aesthetics at the Paco Arena in Manila at 4 p.m.
Air Force absorbed its second straight defeat after winning its opening match to drop to 1-2 at fifth spot.
Jaleco continued his impressive display for the Airmen with 23 points and 19 receptions while Pol Salvador added 13 points of his own.
Meanwhile, Air Force will head into the Holy Week break and will return on April 3 against defending champion Cignal, still at the same Pasig venue.
