PGJC-Navy took a 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23 over Vanguard in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, with Greg Dolor and Christian Marcelino scoring 20 and 19 points, Wednesday at Paco Arena.
Despite winning the first two sets, PGJC-Navy was unable to secure the game in the third set. Vanguard delivered three consecutive points, courtesy of Jeremiah Barrica and John Diwa, which broke a 22-all deadlock and sent the game to a fourth set.
Head coach Cecile Cruzada was disappointed with the team's performance and said, "Siguro nadala ko rin sila kasi medyo nagalit na ako kasi nga wala silang laro, parang sumasabay sila sa laro ng kabila so sabi ko sa kanila, kung hindi nila tatapusin yung fourth set pag-eensayuhin ko sila bukas so alam na nila yun kaya buti na lang tinapos na nila."
In the fourth set, both teams battled hard. A service error from John Carlo Desuyo was followed by a crosscourt hit from Greg Dolor, which pushed PGJC-Navy to match point at 24-22. Vince Abrot responded with a crosscourt attack to keep his team in the game, but Dolor's off-the-block hit sealed the win for the Sealions.
Cecile Cruzada commented on the team's performance and said, "Alam kasi nila kapag hindi sila nag-respond. Sisingilin ko sila pag-balik ng ensayo namin so buti na lang naka-adjust sila agad kasi nga tahimik sila kanina kaya hindi sila nagkakaintindihan. At least nung fourth set nag-usap na sila, nag-salita na sila."
The top player for Vanguard was Vince Abrot, who finished with 21 points and 15 excellent receptions.
Joven Camaganakan and John Diwa added 15 and 13 points, respectively, in the losing effort for the team.
