LIPA City – Team Dasmariñas posted its second straight victory, a 25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23 conquest of MRT-Negros, on Tuesday (Nov. 30) in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
Ronniel Rosales nailed a drop shot to force the game’s final deadlock at 23-23 and the former University of Perpetual Help System Dalta middle hitter put the Monarchs at match point with a block.
An MRT-Negros attack error prevented the match from going into a decider and the Monarchs moved closer topping Pool B.
Less than 24 hours after surviving a five-setter over Global Remit, Team Dasma summoned enough strength to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
“We are thankful that we are now 2-0 but our game was not so pleasant,” Monarchs coach Norman Miguel said. “Obviously, we relaxed.”
After a convincing first set victory, the Monarchs struggled with their game in the second set, allowing MRT-Negros to level.
“Maybe one of the factors was that we had less recovery time and rest,” Miguel said.
Mark Calado again took the scoring mantle for the Monarchs with 13 points and collected seven digs.
Madzlan Gampong had 13 kills while Rosales had three blocks for a 10-point effort for the Monarchs, who will face Sabong International Spikers to wrap up their Pool B assignments at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
“We have to sweep our bracket and then we can now plan for the semifinals,” Miguel said.
MRT-Negros fell to 1-1 and needs to beat Global Remit at 1:30 p.m. to avoid playing in the classification round.
Jet Nonoy paced MRT-Negros with 15 points, including two blocks, while Jian Matthew Salarzon and Christian Marcelino each had 14 points.
In other games, Go for Gold-Air Force played with its elements intact this time and posted a 25-15, 28-26, 25-20 victory over Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao to secure the first semifinals berth.
After scrambling in a five-set win over VNS Manileño Spikers on Monday, the Aguilas were cohesive this time to complete a two-match sweep in Pool A.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin was so glad to have John Vic De Guzman with Go for Gold-Air Force, which retooled its roster for the competition after some of the Air Force players went into full-time military service work.
De Guzman was solid in only his second game with the Aguilas and finished with 17 points, including three service aces. (PNVF) – bny
