The PGJC-Navy Sealions orchestrated a stunning comeback from two sets down, thwarting three match points and overcoming communication challenges to snatch a dramatic 18-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-18 victory over the bewildered D’Navigators in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Coliseum Sunday.
The victory not only snapped the Sealions’ slide in the semifinals, stemming from back-to-back losses that dashed their hopes of reaching the finals, but it also jeopardized the D’Navigators’ championship aspirations.
With both teams ending with a 1-2 record, the D’Navigators’ dream hinged on the outcome of the Cignal-Criss Cross match being played at presstime.
A Cignal win in three or four sets will keep the D’Navigators in the finals hunt. But if the match goes the distance, the King Crunchers could secure the other finals seat due to their superior set ratio.
The D’Navigators, finishing with four tally points, anxiously awaited the result, knowing their fate hung in the balance.
“Sabi ko naman sa kanila, nothing to lose naman na basta lumaban lang. Manalo o matalo, ang importante nandoon yung goal nila na positibo pa rin na kayang manalo sa kalaban kahit two sets down na,” said Navy head coach George Pascua.
While Greg Dolor delivered his best performance, erupting for 30 points, including 26 and three blocks, Joeven dela Vega emerged as a pivotal figure, igniting the Sealions’ resurgence in the third set with a remarkable display of skill and determination.
His powerful hits from the back row, coupled with Dolor’s contributions and the team’s tenacious floor defense, propelled the Sealions to crucial victories in the third and fourth sets.
Despite the D’Navigators’ desperate block touch challenge to extend the match, the Sealions came out triumphant, exulting in a hard-earned win after suffering consecutive straight-set defeats.
“Kailangan ‘wag kaming bibitaw sa pinag-usapan namin. Yun lang naman ang motivation ko sa kanila,” added Pascua.
Dela Vega finished with 17 points, while Lioc contributed 15 points and shone with 12 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Louie Pudadero anchored Navy’s offense with 22 excellent sets that went with his two points while Jack Kalingking produced 19 excellent receptions and 15 excellent digs in a solid team-up with Lioc.
Camposano led the D’Navigators charge with 23 points and 18 excellent receptions while Saura added 21 points and Rash Nursiddik, who came up big early in the fifth set, finished with 14 markers.
