BLOCKED. Iloilo spiker Kyle Angelo Villamor (left) is blocked in their match against the Philippine Army in the preliminary round of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday (Feb. 13, 2024). Iloilo won, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19, to book a semis berth. (Photo from PNVF)
MANILA – Iloilo and VNS Asereht moved to the semifinal round of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League after posting contrasting wins at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Tuesday night.
John San Andres scored 17 attacks, Kyle Villamor made 11 points while Jayvee Sumagaysay and Abdurasad Nursiddik contributed 10 points each as the Iloilo D'Navigators defeated the Philippine Army, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19, for their third straight win in Pool B.
“We’re harnessing for the semifinals and as I said before, if we stay consistent, we'll sail all the way to the final(s),” Iloilo coach Rizalito Delmoro said after the match.
The VNS Asereht Griffins, on the other hand, banked on four players who registered double-digit scores to prevail over the Philippine Air Force, 25-17, 28-30, 25-21, 31-29.
Charles Segui had 22 points, Kevin Montemayor and Kenneth Culabat chipped in 21 points apiece, while Ralph Lacuanan added 10 points.
“Making the semis is a gift,” said Ralph Ocampo, the coach of VNS, which took the bronze medal in the last edition.
VNS’s win eliminated the Army and the Air Force, who were both winless after two games. The Army and the Air Force were scheduled to meet on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD also made it to the Final Four after hacking out a 25-15, 25-21, 27-25 win over PGJC-Philippine Navy.
Joshua Umandal finished with 15 hits, three blocks and an ace for the HD Spikers, who lead Pool A at 2-0.
Cignal's victory left Savouge Spin Doctors (1-1), College of Saint Benilde (1-1) and even winless Navy (0-2) fighting for the last semis berth from Pool A pending the key results of the final elimination playdate.
The Champions League is the first tournament of the PNVF headed by president Ramon “Tats” Suzara this year. The competition for men and women is supported by PLDT, Ayala Land, Nuvali, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+, Mikasa, Senoh, Foton, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission. (PNA)
