PGJC-Navy kept its dominant run in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, dispatching VNS-Nasty, 25-14, 25-16, 25-21, to extend its remarkable streak to five at the Philsports Arena Sunday.
Led by another stellar performance from Joeven Dela Vega, who tallied 20 points on 16 attacks, two blocks and two aces, the Sealions surged to a 5-1 (win-loss) record.
“Very proud ako sa kanya kasi talagang makikita mo yung aggressiveness niya, talagang nandoon yung tulong niya sa team,” said Navy head coach George Pascua.
The Sealions actually trailed the Griffins, 15-17, in the third frame but the former mounted a comeback, fueled by Peter Quiel’s pivotal 6-0 run that propelled them to a 21-17 lead. From there, Navy maintained its momentum, eventually sealing the 73-minute victory with a powerful attack from Greg Dolor.
“Kumbaga, beyond ‘to sa expectations ko. Kasi madaling pasunurin ‘tong mga ‘to, mga sundalo ‘to kaya ganun kabilis yung proseso ng pag-improve nila. Hopefully, yung consistency namin magamit namin sa mga upcoming games namin,” said Pascua.
Quiel finished with 14 points on nine attacks, four blocks, and one ace to backstop Dela Vega, while Dolor and Omar Lioc chipped in eight and six points, respectively, bolstering Navy’s offensive prowess.
Jack Kalingking and Louie Pudadera solidified Navy’s performance as the latter finished with 12 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, and the latter came through with 13 excellent sets.
Navy, however, will have its hands full when it plays Criss Cross on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jester Bornel scored seven points while Michael Doria, Louise Bartolome, Kenneth Culabat and Wewe Medina had six points apiece for VNS, which slipped to 1-4.
The Griffins try to revive their playoff hopes against the Maverick Hard Hitters, also on Friday.
