Global Remit, Manileño triumph as men’s semis cast is sealed

The Manileño Spikers scramble their way past Basilan Steel.—PNVF

Global Remit knocked down MRT Negros and the doors to the semifinals on Wednesday to complete the cast for the next round of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League men’s championship at Aquamarine Recreation Center in Lipa City.

Josh Villanueva came through with back-to-back blocks just as MRT Negros threatened to take the third set. He then hammered a spike for the go-ahead point, 22-21, en route to Global Remit’s 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 triumph.

With a 1-2 record, Global ended up tied with MRT Negros and Sabong International but will progress on account of a better set quotient.

As the No. 2 seed in Pool B, it will take on title favorite Go For Gold in Friday’s semifinals.

Skipper Joeven dela Vega led Global with 12 points, gaining from Ish Polvorosa’s 18 excellent sets. Villanueva finished with 11, four on block kills.

Team Dasmariñas and Manileño Spikers set up a semifinal duel after crushing their respective foes early in the day.

Team Dasmariñas cruised to the next round with a clean sweep of the Pool B teams, beating Sabong International, 25-20, 25-21, 25-23.

The win should give Team Dasmariñas the momentum going into the semifinals against the Manileño Spikers, who scrambled to get past winless Basilan Steel, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23.