AIRBORNE. Iloilo skipper Jerome Michael Cordez (right) goes up against the VNS duo of Russel Fronda (No. 4) and Jeremy Pedrosa during their Spikers' Turf Open Conference match at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023). Iloilo won, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-23, to take the solo lead in the tourney with a 3-0 slate. (Courtesy of Premier Volleyball League)
MANILA – Iloilo bounced back from a first-set loss to prevail over VNS, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-23, and take solo leadership in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Team captain Jerome Michael Cordez had 17 points as the D'Navigators remained perfect after three games.
Middle blockers Mfena Gwaza and Rash Nursiddik chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively, outside hitter Jadealex Disquitado made 12 points and opposite hitter Neil De Pedro had 11 points.
"The determination is there. I told them to just play well, do your part for whatever the result is, we will have no regrets," said Iloilo head coach John Kenneth Panes.
Middle blocker Russel Fronda finished with 12 attacks and three blocks for the Griffins, who absorbed their second loss in three outings.
Skipper Ron Medalla contributed 14 points, including two aces, while Philip Michael Bagalay added 11 points.
Meanwhile, Cotabato eyes its third straight win against Santa Rosa at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Vanguard and Philippine Army, sporting identical 1-1 slates, square off in the first game at 3 p.m. (PNA)
