Seizing the spotlight, Marvin Villanueva delivered a stellar 19-point performance to propel PGJC Navy to a commanding 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 victory over Chichi DHTSI in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference opener at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
The 5-foot-11 wing spiker showcased an efficient 14-of-23 spiking accuracy, adding three aces and two blocks to claim Player of the Game honors.
“Practice pays off. Sa practice maganda yung pinapakita niya. Sabi ko tuloy mo lang, huwag kang ma-pressure,” said Navy head coach Mike Santos, who entrusted Villanueva with a starting role in the absence of mainstay Joeven dela Vega.
“Kung tutuusin galing sa halos two weeks na pahinga from AFP Olympics kaya kitang-kita nung first set kinakalawang pa pero natapos naman namin nang maayos, strong finish kami,” added Santos.
PGJC Navy asserted control in the first set, closing it with a five-point surge led by Greg Dolor, Villanueva and Omar Lioc, aided by a couple of Chichi DHTSI errors. That momentum fueled a commanding effort in the next two sets, enabling the Sealions to wrap up the match in just 70 minutes and begin their campaign in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company on a winning mode.
Open Conference 2024 Best Outside Spiker Greg Dolor added 12 points, while Best Middle Blocker Peter Quiel contributed 11. Playmaker Marvin Hairami orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets.
PGJC Navy will look to maintain its winning form as the Sealions face the undefeated DN Steel-Far Eastern U Ultras squad tomorrow (Sunday), also at Pasig arena.
Chichi DHTSI absorbed its fourth straight setback, with Rafael Del Pilar leading the team with six points. The Titans will next face the De La Salle-EcoOil side on Nov. 3 at Philsports Arena.
