San Juan: D’Navigators Iloilo closed out their 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign on a high note, posting a 25-17, 25-14, 25-20 victory over Martelli Meats at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday. Kyle Angelo Villamor led the D’Navigators with nine attacks, two blocks, 12 excellent receptions, and five digs.
According to Philippines News Agency, D’Navigators finished the tournament with a 2-7 record, placing eighth out of the 10 teams in the competition. Earlier this year, the team placed fourth in the Open Conference. Coach Boyet Delmoro praised his players for their perseverance amid challenges, stating, “Despite being at the bottom, maybe we tried our best despite the problems.”
“The main factor is not being able to practice together. We’ll learn from that in the next season. We will plan carefully so that we can be there again (above), because we were number four before. Now, we’re far,” Delmoro added. Madzlan Gampong contributed nine points for D’Navigators, while Bryan Jaleco an
d Vince Himzon added seven points each. The team secured the final win even without injured key players Jayvee Sumagaysay, Kim Dayandante, and Barbie San Andres.
Martelli Meats, who ended the tournament in ninth place with a 1-8 record, was led by Angelo Reyes and Romeo Teodones, who each tallied five points. Renz Jonas Cruz added four points, including two aces, while Kenrod Benedict Umali and Jerome Michael Cordez each scored three points.