By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo volleyball team selection racked its second win in a row to keep their record unblemished in the ongoing 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference tournament.
Named the D’Navigators-Iloilo, the Ilonggos showed no mercy against the young squad of the National University-Archipelago Builders, 25-23, 25-20, 25-21, last January 29, 2023.
The talented Ilonggo spikers replicated its stellar outing in their debut game when they swept the veteran Philippine Air Force team and were firing from all cylinders at the Paco Arena.
Jade Disquitado continued his consistent offensive surge for D’Navigators and led Iloilo in scoring with 16 big points built from 14 successful attacks with a block and a service ace.
Disquitado was also the one who picked up the scoring in the second half against Philippine Air Force together with team captain Jerome Cordez.
Against the Archipelago Builders, Disquitado got plenty of help from his teammates including the steady contribution of Deanne De Pedro who chipped in nine points in the win.
The duo of Disquitado and De Pedro shattered the hopes of the opposing team’s comeback attempts when they managed to cut the deficit during the heated first set.
After Iloilo got the much-needed 1-0 lead, it was pretty much over as the D’Navigators entered the last two sets oozing with confidence and momentum.
John Michael Apolinario also shone brightly for Iloilo after orchestrating their offense to perfection with 22 excellent sets.
“Una sa lahat happy kami kasi two straight wins so sabi ko sa mga players ko basta stick lang kami sa game plan namin,” said Iloilo head coach John Kenneth Panes.
