Cotabato bounced back from a shutout loss to powerhouse Cignal the last time out, eliminating PGJC-Navy, 25-22, 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, Friday in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Jau Umandal erupted for 27 points on 23 attacks, three blocks and an ace, and spiked another game-long brilliance with 15 excellent receptions, while Wewe Medina backed him up with 13 markers and Jayvee Sumagaysay added nine hits for the Cotabato Spikers, who improved to 6-1 (win-loss).
“Ang concern ko lang is ang mag-jell sila, yung cohesion ng team, saka yung mastery ng system. Ngayon, nakukuha na nila yung sa atake, yung sa depensa naman yung Nawala,” said Cotabato coach Odjie Mamon, who also drew five points each from Arnold Bautista, Rex Intal and Lloyd Josafat.
The Sealions put up a gutsy stand in the second set to draw level as Wilbert Sapida unloaded a kill and Greg Dolor wrapped it up with an off-the-block hit.
But the Cotabato Spikers responded and posted a convincing win in the next then out-dueled the Sealions to complete a four-set victory for third spot.
The loss booted out Navy from the semis race with a 3-5 card.
Christian Marcelion paced the Sealions with 15 points while Sapida added 11 markers. But the Cotabato Spikers held Dolor to a seven-point output to help anchor the win that likewise slammed the door shut on Santa Rosa, which totes a 4-5 slate.
Cignal, Iloilo and Imus, along with Cotabato all have six or more wins although VNS still entertain hopes of making it through the backdoor with a 4-3 mark.
