PGJC-Navy recovered from a fourth set defeat and out-steadied Xentro Mall-EAC in a down-to-the-wire battle, carving out a 25-16, 22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 15-12 decision in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena Sunday night.
Joeven Dela Vega, a former national team standout, poured in 23 points on 17 attacks, four aces and three blocks, while Christian Marcelino tallied 21 points but none bigger than the two consecutive hits he delivered to finish off the Generals.
Dela Vega also produced nine excellent receptions in the third match that went the distance in the two-week old elims of the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
With EAC back in the hunt on a Marvin Romero cross-court hit that put the Generals within, 12-13, in the fifth, Marcelino unleashed a pair of cross-court hits of his own to lift the Navy and put an end to the tussle that lasted two hours and 10 minutes.
The Sealions thus evened its Pool D card at 1-1 to tie the Generals at third.
"Yun kasi yung sinasabi ko sa kanila, kahit anong mangyari, laruin lang nila yung fifth set. Matalo 'man or manalo basta gawin nila yung laro nila, basta kung ano 'man mangyari okay lang yun," said Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada.
Edward Camposano and team captain Greg Dolor each had 11 points for the Sealions.
Owen Suarez dished out 26 excellent sets while Jack Kalingking registered 15 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Ervin Osabel paced the Generals with 18 points on 17 attacks.
Navy guns for another win against Savouge-RTU Basilan on Friday while EAC faces FEU-Chef on a Diet on Nov. 15.
