By Adrian Stewart Co

MRT-Negros suffered its first defeat against Team Dasmariñas Monarchs, 25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23, in the PNVF Champions League yesterday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa, Batangas.

The Monarchs displayed their light years of experience against the youthful Negrenses as they punched a seat to the semifinals round with their 2-0 win-loss record in Pool B.

Mark Calado again took the scoring mantle for the Monarchs with 13 points and collected seven digs, while Madzlan Gampong also finished with 13 points, all on attacks.

Ronniel Rosales also hit double figures in scoring with 10 points, including two at the latter part of the fourth set that secured the victory for the Monarchs.

Trailing 23-22 late in the fourth frame, Rosales found a hole on the defense of MRT-Negros to score a drop shot and tie the score for the last time at 23-all.

Rosales then swung the lead to the Monarchs at 24-23 with a block on MRT-Negros’ Christian Marcelino. An error by the Negrenses clinch the victory for Dasmariñas.

Monarchs head coach Norman Miguel admitted that his squad relaxed a bit in the second set, which allowed the MRT-Negros to escape with the set win, but responded with strong showings in third and fourth sets.

“We are thankful that we are now 2-0 but our game was not so pleasant,” Miguel said. “Obviously, we relaxed (in the second set but) maybe one of the factors was that we had less recovery time and rest.”

Jet Nonoy top-scored for the 1-1 MRT-Negros with 15 points, including two blocks, while Jian Matthew Salarzon and Marcelino each finished with 14 points.

Team Dasma looks to sweep the group stage today against Sabong International Spikers at 10:00 a.m. while MRT-Negros looks to improve its slate versus Global Remit later in the day at 4:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ