Francis Saura came to the rescue, hammering down the clutch hits to lift the D’Navigators past Savouge Aesthetics in four sets, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-23, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
With the Spin Doctors threatening to send the game to a fifth set, Saura scored on back-to-back attacks before converting a searing ace that kick-started a 5-0 run, turning an 18-21 deficit to a 23-21 advantage.
Norwel Sanama stopped the bleeding for Savouge, scoring off a cross-court attack but immediately committed a service error to push the D’Navigators at match point.
Sherwin Caritativo saved a point for the Spin Doctors, but it was not enough as Arvin Estomata fired the game-clinching kill, which gave the D’Navigators their second consecutive victory to start the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Talagang pinagtrabahuhan ng husto. Actually nung third set medyo nag-relax eh, kaya sabi ko nung fourth set kailangan makuha na,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro.
“Sa awa naman ng Diyos, nakinig naman sila sa mga instructions. Nung nag-timeout ako (4th set) nagbigay ako ng instruction na sabi ko kailangan kumapit kami,” added Delmoro.
Saura finished with a game-high 20 points on 14 attacks, five blocks, and one ace to lead the charge for the D’Navigators in the one-hour, 49-minute match.
Edward Camposano added 12 points, 16 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs while Kent Sabando and Rash Nursiddik chipped in nine markers each in the victory.
The D’Navigators will return to action on April 3, 4:00 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena against the winless Maverick.
On the other hand, the Spin Doctors suffered their second consecutive loss of the tournament, falling to 1-2 in the standings.
Caritativo scored 14 points to go along with 11 excellent receptions and five excellent digs off the bench to pace Savouge while Sanama had 13 points, all from attacks.
The Spin Doctors will try to end their slump when they take on PGJC-Navy also on April 3 at 6:00 p.m.
