After losing in five sets the last time, Iloilo responded with a resounding 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 victory over Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmariñas, entering the win column in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference Pool A at the Paco Arena on Friday.
Just like in the first two frames, the D’Navigators broke away from a tight third set midway with newly-inserted middle blocker Rash Nursiddik, as well as Renz Engay, leading the charge for the 25-18 clincher.
“Talagang kumpleto hanggang dulo ng bench. Pinaghandaan talaga namin ito, kahit sinong ipasok sa kanila, sinabi ko kailangan magtrabaho sa loob,” said head coach Boyet Delmaro as Iloilo improved to 1-1.
The D’Navigators dominated the game from start to finish, winning in just 78 minutes while also tallying a huge advantage in the blocking department, 11-1.
Nas Gwaza was responsible for four of Iloilo’s 11 blocks to go with eight points for a game-high 12 points, while Kyle Villamor followed with eight points.
Madz Gampong had seven points in just two sets played while Paolo Doronilla also made seven as JM Apolinario orchestrated the D’Navigators’ offense for the first two stanzas with 12 excellent sets.
Leading the way for the 0-2 Patriots were Popoy Alabin and Paul Malaiba with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Up next for Iloilo will be Perpetual-Kinto Tyres on Nov. 8, while DLSU-D’s schedule will not get any easier as it is set to face the fancied Sta. Elena-National U on Nov. 10.
