LIPA City – Global Remit beat MRT-Negros, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, to complete the semifinal cast of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League for men on Wednesday (Dec. 1) at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
Staring at missing the knockout stage after dropping its first two matches and playing without one of its key players Ron Medalla, Global Remit had no recourse but to win in straight sets to finish second in Pool B.
Joeven Dela Vega willed Global Remit to victory with 12 points, including two blocks, aside from his leadership that keyed his team’s victory.
“We had a pep talk and we were determined to get this one,” De la Vega, a member of the national pool, said. “Our mindset is to play without pressure. We were able to communicate, get established and we were able to adjust.”
Global Remit was locked in a three-way logjam with the Sabong International Spikers (SIS) and MRT-Negros at 1-2 won-lost.
Still tied with SIS in the first tiebreaker with four points apiece, Global Remit was able to punch a ticket in the semis via sets ratio. Global Remit had 6-6, while SIS only had 5-7 to settle for third in the pool.
With only two points, MRT-Negros ended up in fourth place in their bracket of the tournament.
Despite a very short preparation, Global Remit coach Edgardo Rusit finally heaved a sigh of relief.
“We are very thankful because we were able to hang on until the very end and we were very hopeful to make it to the semifinals,” Rusit said. “As the games on go, we are getting better.”
Medalla, who hurt his left knee in last Tuesday’s four-set loss to SIS, remains doubtful heading into this Friday’s semifinals. But Rusit said that his injury is nothing serious and he doesn’t need an MRI.
Josh Villanueva added 11 points, including four blocks, while Alex Disquitado made nine points.
Jian Matthew Salarzon led MRT-Negros with 12 points and 11 receptions while Jet Nonoy had 10 kills.
The classification matches between Basilan and MRT-Negros are set at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, while the semifinals schedule on Friday (Dec. 3) pits Go for Gold against Global Remit at 1:30 p.m. and Team Dasmariñas against VNS Manileño Spikers at 4 p.m.
The final is on Saturday (Dec. 4). (PNVF) – bny
