Team Dasmariñas took down the Sabong International Spikers, 25-20, 25-21, 25-23, to complete a sweep of Pool A in the eliminations of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League on Wednesday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa City.
Madzlan Gampong went 8-of-14 on attacks and had three blocks and a service ace for 12 points to lead the Monarchs to the semifinals.
Team Dasmariñas will battle the Pool A second placer for a spot in the championship match set for Friday afternoon.
Hurdling their first step toward becoming the first-ever men’s Champion League winners, coach Norman Miguel knew that the Monarchs needed to hike their level of play in the knockout stage in 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).”
Mark Calado hammered 11 kills while captain Jayvee Sumagaysay had two blocks for a nine-point effort for the Monarchs.
Jelord Talisayan paced SIS with 15 kills while Charles David Absin chipped in 10 points.
SIS fell to 1-2 won-lost and its fate in clinching the remaining semifinals berth will depend on the result of the final preliminary round match between MRT-Negros and Global Remit on Wednesday afternoon.
