D’Navigators are one win away from a podium finish.
Jade Disquitado and the D’Navigators Iloilo exorcised their demons at just the right time, finally notching a win against Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography AJAA Spikers in Wednesday’s playoff-for-bronze matchup in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The 21-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22 win, which is Iloilo’s first against Imus this conference, gives D’Navigators a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, putting them a win away from the bronze medal.
“Maganda ‘yung nilaro ng bawat isa. Lahat talaga gigil bumawi,” said Disquitado, who dominated the game with a conference-high 34 points off 33 attacks and an ace.
“Sa kanila [Imus] kami lagi napanghihinaan ng loob ‘pag nakakalaban namin sila, kaya ito nilaban namin ngayon hanggang dulo,” the ace added.
Disquitado elaborated that the victory is not just a vindication after their struggles against Imus, but also a proof of their overall resolve. Remember, this is their debut season in the Spikers’ Turf.
“Satisfied na kami sa kung anong narating namin ngayon kasi first time namin sa Spikers Turf,” Disquitado said.
It doesn’t mean they’ll be resting on their laurels though, as they seek to close the series in Game 2 on Friday.
Imus, on the other hand, looks primed for payback. National team veteran Bryan Bagunas may finally suit up after his championship season in the Taiwan’s Top League.
Disquitado says they’ll be ready.
“Siguro kailangan naming mag-double time sa Friday kasi baka maglaro na ata si Kuya Bry. Siguro mahirapan kami pero kaya naman. Kailangan lang talaga naming magtulung-tulungan.”
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)