Semis set: Dasma vs Manileño, Air Force against Global

LIPA CITY, Philippines — Unbeaten Team Dasma Monarchs advanced to the semifinals after walloping the Sabong International Spikers, 25-20, 25-21, 25-23, at the close of the PNVF Champions League preliminaries yesterday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center Gym here.

Madzlan Gampong starred with 12 markers while Mark Frederick Calado (11) and Jayvee Sumagaysay (9) chipped in solid plays as the Monarchs (3-0) swept Pool B.

“We achieved our short-term goal of finishing on top of Pool B entering the semis but it’s still a long way to go,” said coach Norman Miguel.

Dasma will face off with the VNS Manileño Spikers, who secured the second spot in Pool A behind unbeaten Go For Gold-Air Force following a 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 win over the Basilan Steel Spikers in the second game.

John Benedict San Andres (13) and Rwenzmel Taguibolos (10) led the way as Manileño finished at 1-1 in Pool A after a narrow five-set loss to Air Force in the opener.

“It’s a do-or-die match for us so I just told our team to handle the pressure and stick to the system. Thankfully, we did,” said Manileño coach Ralph Ocampo, bracing for a tall order in the Final Four against unblemished Dasma.

Global Remit, meanwhile, saved its best for last, scoring a huge 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 win over MRT-Negros to salvage the last semis ticket from Pool B and arrange a duel with Go For Gold-Air Force.

Pool A bottom-placer Basilan (0-2), Sabong International and MRT-Negros crashed out of contention but will still play in classification matches from fifth to seventh place.