FILE – Go for Gold in the PNVF Champions League. PNVF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Go for Gold-Air Force clinched the first semifinals spot after beating Basilan Steel Spikers, 25-15, 28-26, 25-20, in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League Tuesday at Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa City, Batangas.
John Vic de Guzman, one of seven national team mainstays suiting up for Go for Gold in the tournament, led the way with 17 points.
Another national team standout in Mark Alfafara added 13 points for the Aguilas.
Brooms 🧹 are out for Go for Gold – Air Force Aguilas as they remain undefeated at the #PNVFChampionsLeagueM with a sweep of Basilan Steel Spikers.
News, photos and other updates: https://t.co/hKJVr3cJuU pic.twitter.com/mTxNrDsjDi
— Volleyball Philippines (@volleyball_phi) November 30, 2021
“We had a better performance today,” said Go for Gold coach Dante Alinsunurin. “We have a better effort in our service and receive so that’s everything went well.”
The Aguilas swept Pool A after edging the Manileño Spikers in five sets on Monday.
Manileño and Basilan play for the No. 2 spot in Pool A on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Sabong International Spikers remained in semis contention in Pool B after fending off Global Remit.
Jelord Talisayan stepped up in the crucial victory, posting 18 kills, six digs and six receptions for SIS, whose players hail from Negros Oriental.
“We didn’t expect to beat them (Global Remit),” Talisayan said. “They are a strong team and we prepared so well against them.”
“One of our main purposes is to inspire the young people of Negros Oriental,” added the Guihulngan City native. “We want to show them that we are role models in playing volleyball when they grow up.”
SIS bounced back from a five-set defeat at the hands of MRT-Negros on Monday.
An win over Team Dasmariñas coupled by an MRT-Negros loss on Wednesday will propel SIS into the Final Four.
Global Remit’s bid for a first victory took a hit after Ron Medalla went down with a left knee injury late in the second set.