DN Steel-FEU stunned D’Navigators Iloilo, 25-18, 16-25, 25-22, 25-20, and grabbed the early lead in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig on Sunday night.
Dryx Saavedra played a pivotal role in halting a strong fightback from D’Navigators, who managed to close a significant gap from 19-12 down in the fourth set to 20-17/
Saavedra’s efforts paved the way for Mikko Espartero to step up in the clutch.
Espartero made his mark with consecutive kill blocks, followed by back-to-back kills that sealed the one-hour, 49-minute match for DN Steel.
Despite D’Navigators’ late surge, saving two match points thanks to Edward Camposano and a contested DN Steel error, Espartero delivered the decisive blow with a powerful spike from Zone 4, ending the match and securing DN Steel-FEU’s second win of the conference.
“Talagang nag-prepare kami maigi kila D’Navigators kasi alam natin mga veteran players ‘yung nasa kanila so sila (Jayvee) Sumagaysay, ‘yan ‘yung mga panahon na naging Best Middle Blocker during his time sa UAAP,” said DN Steel-FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“May (Edward) Camposano pa, ‘yung setter Kim (Dayandante), hindi matatawaran ‘yan kaya talagang nag-prepare kami sa kanila,” added Orcullo.
Saavedra fired a game-high 21 points and made eight excellent digs to lead the Ultras’ charge, while Espartero sustained his red-hot performance, delivering 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks.
Benny Martinez anchored the team’s win with 22 excellent sets, while Vennie Paul Ceballos registered 20 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs DN Steel-FEU.
Earlier, VNS squandered a four-point lead in the third set but staved off four set points to secure a 25-21, 25-17, 29-27 victory against Martelli Meats.
What started as a seemingly one-sided affair took a dramatic turn in the third set, as the Master Butchers mounted a spirited comeback.
Though the Griffins, with several of their players out due to flu-like symptoms, dominated the first two sets and much of the third, they found themselves under pressure as Martelli Meats surged with powerful blocking and late-game resilience.
The tide turned in crunch time, testing the Griffins’ resolve as their opponents struck back with a determined push, nearly forcing the match to extend.
But Benjaylo Labide, Christian Olaes and Titus Villacrusis stepped up in the clutch, delivering when it mattered most. He first saved the Griffins from a fourth set point with a crucial kill at 26-all, then followed it up with a deft drop shot that forced the Master Butchers into a net violation.
