PGJC-Navy used its veteran smarts and balanced scoring to hammer out a 25-19, 25-14, 25-23 victory over the hapless Santa Rosa side and get back into the mix in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.
Greg Dolor came away with 12 points, including five blocks, while five others churned out at least seven points as the Sealions overwhelmed the City Lions to bounce back from a sorry five-set setback to the Army Troopers two weeks ago.
The Sealions thus forced a four-way logjam at fifth with VNS, Army and Vanguard at 1-1, while Santa Rosa absorbed its third straight defeat in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Middle blockers Geffrey Alicando and Jemmy Entig added 10 and nine points, respectively, while Christian Marcelino and Marvin Villanueva posted nine and eight markers, respectively, for the Sealions.
Jude Garcia also marked his debut for Navy with seven points in just two sets of play.
"Lesson learned na kasi sa amin nung natalo kami sa Army kasi nung time na yun kulang kami sa communication, wala kaming teamwork pa dahil sa two weeks na pagsasama puro bago kasi, anim 'yung nawala sa amin," said Sealions assistant coach Leah Ariola, who took over from head mentor Cecille Cruzada, who had to attend to an emergency.
The youthful Lions from Laguna actually fought back in the third and threatened to extend the match after grabbing a 23-21 lead on a Jerico Adajar block off Marcelino's attempt.
But Marcelino, Garcia, and Villanueva countered with three straight points before Santa Rosa skipper Harvey Quezada's spike hit the antenna to hand the victory to the Sealions.
"Sabi ko lang sa kanila huwag i-underestimate kasi puro bata 'yan (Santa Rosa) eh," added Ariola.
Anrie Bakil scored nine points while Kevin Montemayor and John Mendoza put in seven points each for the City Lions.
