Lipa City—Go for Gold-Air Force posted a 25-15, 28-26, 25-20 victory over Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao to secure the first semifinal berth in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League on Tuesday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
After scrambling in a five-set win over VNS Manileño Spikers on Monday, the Aguilas were cohesive this time to complete a two-match sweep in Pool A of the tournament that has Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors.
BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors are silver sponsors, with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin was so glad to have John Vic De Guzman with Go for Gold-Air Force, which retooled its roster for the competition after some of the Air Force players went into full-time military service work.
De Guzman was solid in only his second game with the Aguilas and finished with 17 points, including three service aces.
“We have the same system because he is also with the national team. It’s not hard for him to make adjustment, it’s very much the same,” said Alinsunurin of the many-time Philippine team captain.
Mark Alfafara, who like De Guzman is another key addition in the lineup, added 13 points, seven receptions and three digs while Francis Saura had nine points with two service aces.
Libero Ricky Marcos had 17 receptions and 11 digs while setter Jessie Lopez tossed in 13 excellent sets.
“We had a better performance today,” Alinsunurin said. “We have a better effort in our service and receive so that’s everything went well.”