SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Global Remit secured the last semis slot after sweeping MRT-Negros, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, on Wednesday, December 1 in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League men’s tournament at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa City, Batangas.
Joeven dela Vega led Global Remi with 12 points, including 2 blocks, which was crucial for the shorthanded squad.
“We had a pep talk and we were determined to get this one,” said De la Vega, also a member of the national pool. “Our mindset is to play without pressure. We were able to communicate, get established and we were able to adjust.”
Josh Villanueva added 11 points, including 4 blocks, while Alex Disquitado tallied 9 points.
Global Remit was locked in a three-way logjam with the Sabong International Spikers (SIS) and MRT-Negros at a 1-2 slate.
Both Global Remit and SIS were still tied in points won as both held 4 points apiece, but the former punched a ticket to the semis via sets ratio (6-6 to 5-7).
With only 2 points, MRT-Negros ended up fourth place in their bracket of the tournament.
Despite a very short preparation, Global Remit coach Edgardo Rusit breathed 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 go on, 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.
Jian Matthew Salarzon led MRT-Negros with 12 points and 11 receptions while Jet Nonoy chipped in 10 kills.
Dasmariñas tops Pool A
Team Dasmariñas completed a three-match sweep of Pool A with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-23 victory over SIS to clinch a well-deserved semis berth.
Madzlan Gampong nailed 12 points off 8 attacks, 3 blocks, and an ace to lead the Monarchs to the semifinals.
The veteran presence of Gampong, a former National University standout, was a big boost for the Monarchs in the pool round.
“Madz, ever since from Day 1 here, was consistent for us. He is our go-to guy. We know it and he knows that every well,” Miguel said. “Madz is a big factor for us. I hope he remains fit going to the semis.”
Mark Calado hammered 11 kills while captain Jayvee Sumagaysay had 2 blocks for a 9-point effort for the Monarchs.
Hurdling their first step toward becoming the first-ever men’s Champion League winners, coach Norman Miguel know that the Monarchs need to improve their level of play in the knockout stage of the tournament.
“We are happy of course that we ranked No. 1 in our bracket, that’s our short-term goal for this tournament,” said Miguel, whose main concern right now is the fitness of the players. “I think, we have to work on our conditioning. Good thing, we have to rest tomorrow (Thursday).”
Jelord Talisayan paced SIS with 15 kills while Charles David Absin chipped in 10 points.
Earlier, the VNS Manileño Spikers opened the day’s events with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 win over the Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao to bag the remaining semifinals berth in Pool A.
The classification matches between Basilan and MRT-Negros are set at 1:30 pm on Thursday, December 2.
Go for Gold and Global Remit will open the semifinals on Friday, December 3 at 1:30 pm, followed by Team Dasmariñas and VNS Manileño Spikers at 4pm. The final is scheduled on Saturday, December 4. – Rappler.com
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