Iriga-Navy keeps semis bid alive in PVL

Iriga-Navy kept its semifinal bid alive yesterday as it survived resilient Tacloban, 25-9, 21-25, 26-28, 25-21, 15-13, in the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Oragons finally found their footing after back-to-back losses from the BaliPure-NU Water Defenders and the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers as they banked heavily on imports Macy Ubben and Lauren Whyte to notch their first win in this round-robin quarterfinal round.

Ubben and Whyte exploded anew with 25 points each including a combined 47 kills, outshining the efforts of Amporn Hyapha and Jovielyn Prado, who had 20 and 15 points, respectively, for Tacloban.

Overall, Iriga-Navy overpowered Tacloban in attacks, 66-50, despite managing only four blocks and six aces.

Earlier in men’s play, PLDT strengthened its campaign for a semifinal seat after surviving tough Army, 25-14, 26-24, 25-20.

John Vic De Guzman led with eight kills and blocks to pace the PLDT Spikers to their second straight win in this round-robin phase among four teams for the remaining two semis seats.

Kheeno Franco also sparkled with nine points including seven attacks, even as Jayvee Sumagaysay added seven points with three coming from blocks.

PLDT needed 71 minutes in edging Army, taking advantage of the Troopers’ weak serves.

The Troopers only managed two aces – all coming from Antonio Torres.

Army fell to its second straight loss, putting its semis chance in peril, despite Torres topscoring for 10 points.

Meanwhile, providing solid backup for De Guzman for PLDT were Ronchette Villegas, who had 25 excellent sets, as well as Rence Melgar and Henry Pecana, who conspired for 17 digs.

Mark Alfafara also contributed nine points.