PGJC-Navy ended up on the podium for just the second time in its nine conferences in the Spikers’ Turf.
What made it all the more impressive was that a new system was established just days prior to the start of the 2024 Open Conference when George Pascua took over the team.
The Sealions entered the semifinals with a 6-2 record, trailing just behind frontrunners and eventual finalists Cignal and Criss Cross.
In the Battle for Third, Navy edged out the D’Navigators in points ratio after the series had to be decided via the tiebreak system, despite both teams being tied 1-1 as the Finals series ended in two games.
“For two months with them, nameet namin yung expectations at lumagpas pa,” said Pascua on their bronze finish.
“Naappreciate ko naman yung effort ng mga bata. Without their effort naman during training saka yung sacrifice nila hindi naman namin maaachieve ito eh. Thankful ako sa kanila at proud ako sa kanila,” added the Sealions’ new mentor.
The Sealions also had the most individual awardees. Greg Dolor, fresh from transitioning from middle to wing, bagged the Best Outside Spiker award. Peter Quiel was hailed as the Best Middle Blocker, while Jack Kalingking was named the Best Libero.
What’s even more exciting for Pascua is the next conference, as he will have more time to prepare his team to be battle-ready and battle-tested.
They secured third place while learning on the fly. What more can they achieve with full preparation under their belt?
“Sa two months namin ang dami naming pwedeng iimprove pa sa kanila so ikinompress na lang namin, ngayon mas magkakaroon kami ng mahabang preparation,” said Pascua.
