One Sports
Monday, December 02, 2024
D'Navigataors-Iloilo ended their campaign in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference with heads held high against the Martelli Meat Master Butchers.
Madz Gampong and D'Navigators Iloilo close out the 2024 Spikers' Turn Invitational Conference on a high note against the Martelli Meats Master Butchers. | Photo: Spikers' Turf
D’Navigators Iloilo capped off their 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on a triumphant note, dominating Martelli Meats, 25-17, 25-14, 25-20, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Sunday.
The emphatic win snapped a seven-game losing streak and provided a silver lining to an otherwise challenging campaign.
Despite being hampered by scheduling conflicts that disrupted team practices and cohesion, D’Navigators finished with a 2-7 win-loss record, placing eighth in the 10-team tournament.
This was a stark contrast to their top four finish in the Open Conference earlier in the year.
Determined to end the season on a high note, the team displayed a dominant performance against the Master Butchers, securing the victory in just one hour and 13 minutes. Head coach Boyet Delmoro lauded his team’s resolve despite the challenges.
“Napag-usapan naman ‘to last game. Kung tatrabahuhin, trabahuhin na. Despite na nasa ilalim kami, siguro we tried our best despite sa mga problema,” said Delmoro.
“Kasi ang main factor ‘yung hindi nagkakasabay-sabay sa training eh. We’ll learn from that sa next season, if ever, siguro ipaplano namin nang maigi para mapunta ulit kami doon sa (itaas), kasi nasa number four na kami before eh. Ngayon ang layo.”
Kyle Villamor shone brightly, delivering 11 points, including nine attacks and two blocks. His stellar all-around play also featured 12 excellent receptions and five digs.
Madz Gampong, who sat out the final frame, contributed nine points, while Bryan Jaleco and Vince Himzon each added seven markers. The team had to cope with the continued absence of key players Jayvee Sumagaysay, Kim Dayandante and Barbie San Andres, whose presence was sorely missed throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Master Butchers concluded their season in ninth place. Despite the challenging run, they remain optimistic about bouncing back stronger in their next campaign.
The team looks to build on the lessons learned this season to improve upon their 1-8 record in the upcoming tournaments.
Angelo Reyes and Romeo Teodones led Martelli Meats with five points apiece, while Renz Cruz chipped in four markers.