Building on the momentum of their recent four-set triumph over the D’Navigators Iloilo, the Sealions showcased their dominance, taking control midway through each set and finishing strong to frustrate the Griffins.
With the victory, the seasoned squad improved to a 3-1 record, breaking away from their tie with the idle Criss Cross King Crunchers and catching up with the Cignal HD Spikers. They now trail only the undefeated Savouge Spin Doctors and DN Steel FEU Ultras, who both swept their first four games.
“It’s a good game, maganda naman ‘yung pinakita ng mga players. Lumabas na ‘yung pinagensayuhan namin. Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na ‘di namin pwedeng baliwalain ‘yung kalaban ngayon,” said Navy head coach Mike Santos.
“Ayun nga, basta nilaban lang namin kung ano ‘yung meron. At the same time mabuti ‘yung mga players na pinapasok namin, nagpo-produce naman ng puntos,” he added.
The Sealions’ experience and superb net defense held VNS to only 27attack points while peppering their rivals with 46. They also dominated the Griffins in blocks, 9-3.
Joeven Dela Vega led Navy with 14 markers on 12 attacks and two blocks, while skipper Greg Dolor dished out a 12-point performance, showcasing his leadership, composure and grit throughout the match in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Dolor later credited the team's rise to their discipline and physical readiness.
"That’s what we focus on in training: we aim to score three points for every one point the opponent gets. And when we make mistakes, we make sure to bounce back," said Dolor in Filipino.
He also revealed that the team is provided with fruits before each game to boost their energy and performance.
"The fruit really helps – it gives us a confidence and energy boost before every match," he added.
John Ashley Jacob, Nilo Jasmin and Peter Quiel also played big roles in the lopsided victory, finishing with eight points apiece, while Louie Pudadera came through with 18 excellent sets, and Jeremy Santos registered 18 excellent receptions and five excellent digs for the Sealions.
Navy will take on the 2-0 La Salle-EcoOil on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.
VNS, meanwhile, absorbed its third consecutive loss for a 1-4 card..
Roderick Medino and CJ Segui tallied six and five points, respectively, for the Griffins, who will face the winless Chichi DHTSI on Wednesday at p.m., also at Ynares.
