Spikers’ Turf: Iloilo books semis spot to complete cast
Iloilo’s Jade Disquitado in the Spikers’ Turf. -PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Iloilo booked the fourth and last semifinal ticket as Jade Disquitado poured in 25 points to torch the also-ran Vanguard, 23-25, 25-12, 25-22, 25-21, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Friday at Paco Arena.
Disquitado, a national team call-up, conspired with Nas Gwaza and Rash Nursiddik to put on the finishing touches in the last two sets and earn their seventh win in nine games.
Article continues after this advertisementThe young spiker finished with 20 attacks, three aces, and two blocks to lift Iloilo to the single-round semifinals with unbeaten Cignal, AMC-Cotabato, and Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography
“I told my team to leave everything on the floor in this game because this is our last chance to make it to the Final Four,” said Iloilo coach John Kenneth Panes in Filipino.
Nursiddik also delivered for D’Navigators as he fired four aces to finish with 17 points, while Gwaza added 13 markers including five blocks.
Article continues after this advertisementIloilo booted the idle VNS out of the race despite having one more game left with a 6-3 card.
Vanguard ended the tournament losing nine straight of its 10 matches. Vince Abrot led the way with 17 points and 11 excellent receptions in another defeat.
AMC-Cotabato’s Jau Umandal. –PVL PHOTO
Meanwhile, Jau Umandal drilled 14 points as AMC-Cotabato dominated Air Force, 25-16, 25-21, 25-17, for its third straight win.
Umandal showed the way for the Cotabato Spikers with 12 attacks, a block, and an ace to go with 12 excellent receptions and four digs as they rose to an 8-1 record.
Filipino-American Steven Rotter, a new addition to the team, chipped in eight points. Team captain Jayvee Sumagaysay also scored eight, as Wewe Medina, Madz Gampong, and Rex Intal added seven each.
“They’re getting there. My setters and attackers are getting their connection. We just have to limit our service errors without sacrificing the power of our service,” said coach Odjie Mamon in Filipino.
Cotabato and Iloilo will cap the elimination round on Sunday before the semis round robin.
Air Force finished the conference with a 2-8 record with Edwin Tolentino leading the Airmen with 11 points off eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
