Alpha Insurance bounced back strong from a shocking loss to VNS, sweeping PGJC-Navy, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19, to revive its fading semifinal hopes in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena.
The Protectors improved to 3-3, setting up a do-or-die clash with the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers on Sunday in the final match of the single-round eliminations.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Cignal–Savouge showdown – being played at presstime – will join Criss Cross in the semis of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Stung by a tough defeat to the young VNS Griffins in their previous outing, Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos reminded his squad to loosen up and trust their system – and the response was immediate.
“Happy ako kasi madaling nakarecover yung mga players mula sa pagkatalo namin sa VNS. Tinanggal lang namin yung pressure. Buti mabilis nakabounce back,” said Santos.
The Protectors outclassed the winless Sealions in both the spiking and blocking departments, firing 46 attacks to PGJC-Navy’s 35 and erecting a 7-2 advantage at the net.
JJ Javelona, held to just two points against the Griffins, redeemed himself with 13 points on an efficient 13-of-23 hitting clip to help secure the crucial win. Barbie San Andres also delivered a steady all-around performance with 12 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Rocky Motol added nine markers.
Joeven Dela Vega and Peter Quiel finished with eight points apiece for the Sealions, while Marc Paulino and Greg Dolor chipped in seven each.
Winless at 0-6, the Sealions will try to end their campaign on a bright note when they face the Griffins on Sunday at 1 p.m.
