By ADRIAN STEWART CO

D’Navigators-Iloilo pulled off a massive stunner in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference single-round robin semifinals, beating the Criss Cross King Crunchers, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday night, May 1.

Francis Saura finished with a game-high of 20 points, all on attacks, while Edward Camposano and Deanne de Pedro chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for D’Navigators-Iloilo.

Kim Dayandante tallied 16 excellent sets to go along with five points to earn the Player of the Game honors, while Rick Adao held his own defense with 22 excellent receptions for the Ilonggos.

“Pinaghandaan talaga namin sila. Sabi ko, ‘Sa amin, walang mawawala, pero sa kanila maraming mawawala,’” D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro said.

Ahead by just two points, 19-17, in the fourth frame, Camposano went for a cross-court hit before Jayvee Sumagaysay scored on back-to-back blocks to give D’Navigators-Iloilo a 23-17 advantage.

D’Navigators didn’t have to do much in the final stretch as King Crunchers’ Jude Garcia’s attack sailed out, while Marck Espejo’s backrow attack got swallowed by the net.

“Siguro na-challenge ‘yung mga players ko, saka nag-usap kami kung anong plano talaga. Sa awa ng Diyos, lumabas naman ‘yung intensity para manalo nandoon. Confident talaga sila,” Delmoro said.

D’Navigators-Iloilo will try to sustain their momentum as they will face the defending champion Cignal HD Spikers, who have yet to suffer a loss in the tournament at the same venue on Friday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Espejo led the King Crunchers with 15 points on 13 attacks and two aces, Garcia added 13 points on nine attacks, two aces and two blocks to go with 19 excellent receptions, while Chu Njigha added 12 markers, highlighted by four blocks./ASC, WDJ