PGJC-Navy puts its five-game streak on the line as it shoots for a semifinal berth, but the Sealions are bracing themselves for a daunting challenge from a fired-up Criss Cross side in a key Spikers’ Turf Open Conference showdown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Friday.
The Sealions have been on a roll since their opening loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, winning their next five games to edge closer to securing a spot in the post-elims stage of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Spearheaded by Joeven dela Vega and Greg Dolor, along with key contributors like Louie Pudadera, Peter Quiel, Omar Lioc and Marvin Villanueva, Navy has surpassed expectations in their short time together under head coach George Pascua.
He acknowledges the rapid improvement of his team, crediting their disciplined military background for their quick progress. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency as they face the King Crunchers.
“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.
But Navy will be taking on a Criss Cross squad determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking five-set loss, also to the unbeaten and first semifinalist Cignal team (6-0) last Sunday where the King Crunchers squandered a 2-1 set lead and absorbed their first defeat after four consecutive wins.
Gametime is at 4 p.m.
Led by Marck Espejo, the former Cignal standout who debuted for Criss Cross 19 points on 15 attacks, three blocks and an ace, along with standout players like Jude Garcia, Kim Malabunga and Ysay Marasigan, fans can expect another intense battle of power and styles between two of the league’s powerhouse teams.
Meanwhile, VNS-Nasty (1-4) faces Maverick (1-3) in a duel of struggling teams at 6 p.m.
