DN Steel-FEU Ultras delivered a statement win against D’Navigators Iloilo, securing a hard-fought 25-18, 16-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory to take the early lead in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig, on Sunday night, October 20.

Dryx Saavedra played a key role in stalling a late-game rally by D’Navigators, who cut a significant deficit in the fourth set, narrowing the gap from 12-19 to 17-20. Saavedra’s defense allowed teammate Mikko Espartero to step up and close out the match in style.

Espartero contributed two crucial kill blocks followed by consecutive spikes, sealing the match after 1 hour and 49 minutes of intense volleyball action. Despite D’Navigators’ last-minute efforts, with Edward Camposano and a DN Steel error saving two match points, Espartero’s decisive spike from Zone 4 ended the contest, marking DN Steel-FEU’s second win of the conference.

Preparation Against Veterans Paid Off

DN Steel-FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo emphasized their thorough preparation for D’Navigators, noting the experience and skill of key players like Jayvee Sumagaysay and Edward Camposano.

“We prepared heavily for D’Navigators because we know they have veteran players like Sumagaysay, who was once the Best Middle Blocker in UAAP,” said Orcullo. “They also have Camposano and their setter Kim (Dayandante), who are all exceptional players, so we really focused on our strategy against them.”

Standout Performances

Saavedra led the Ultras with a game-high 21 points and added eight excellent digs, showcasing his all-around performance. Espartero maintained his stellar form, finishing with 17 points from 15 attacks and two blocks. Benny Martinez anchored the team with 22 excellent sets, while Vennie Paul Ceballos added 20 excellent receptions and 10 digs to bolster the defense.

The victory puts DN Steel-FEU at the top of the leaderboard, with the team now looking ahead to a two-week break before facing the VNS Griffins on November 3 at the Philsports Arena.

D’Navigators Fall Short Despite Strong Efforts

On the other side, Edward Camposano finished with 15 points, including 13 attacks and two blocks, but it wasn’t enough to carry D’Navigators to victory. Jayvee Sumagaysay contributed 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Madz Gampong and Kyle Villamor chipped in with nine and seven points, respectively.

D’Navigators, who had edged out the Chichi Titans in a five-set thriller the previous week, now drop to 1-1. They’ll aim to rebound in their upcoming match against the Criss Cross King Crunchers on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Looking Ahead

The Spikers’ Turf Invitational continues to heat up, with DN Steel-FEU taking an early lead and teams like D’Navigators eager to bounce back. As the tournament progresses, expect more thrilling matchups and standout performances that will shape the race to the championship.