As PGJC Navy’s seasoned star, Joeven Dela Vega knows the battle for the podium won’t be easy this year. The Spikers’ Turf has upped the ante with younger, more competitive teams, making the 2024 Invitational Conference a gauntlet of skill and resilience. Despite the challenge, Dela Vega remains undeterred, embracing both his role as a leader and his team’s pursuit of victory.
“The goal is still to reach the podium, but it’s definitely more challenging this season,” Dela Vega admitted. “Exciting kasi maraming malalakas. Challenging ba,” he added, reflecting on the intensity of this year’s tournament.
Already, the conference has been full of surprises. Far Eastern University-DN Steel and Savouge, both of whom brought in fresh young talent, currently lead the pack with flawless 3-0 records. FEU, along with De La Salle-EcoOil, qualified for the Spikers’ Turf after placing first and second in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, and they’ve carried that momentum straight into this league.
PGJC Navy, however, isn’t backing down. With a 2-1 start, the Sealions have shown they can hold their own, defeating Chichi DHTSI and D’Navigators-Iloilo, though they took a hard-fought loss against FEU’s youthful squad. Dela Vega knows every game is crucial and that there’s no room for complacency.
On Wednesday, he delivered a stellar performance against the D’Navigators, displaying both skill and composure honed over years of experience. The 27-year-old scored a remarkable 20 points, powered by 10 attacks, seven blocks, and three service aces, steering PGJC Navy to a 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-19 victory. It was a statement performance that showcased the Sealions’ veteran presence.
Dela Vega’s leadership is crucial for the Sealions, the league’s oldest team, with an average age of 27.3 years. The team’s roster spans a spectrum from 24 to 32 years old, making mentorship and experience pivotal as they face off against the league’s younger players.
For Dela Vega, mentoring his younger teammates is a duty he takes seriously, knowing that his insights can leave a lasting impact on their development. “Sa mga kabataan, ang thoughts ko is at least may matutunan sila sa amin, sa mga matatanda na,” Dela Vega shared, hoping to instill both resilience and discipline in the next generation.
With wisdom drawn from his years in the sport, Dela Vega emphasizes the importance of relentless training and continued learning. “Huwag lang tumigil sa pag-training, learnings. Kasi habang tumatanda tayo or nag-training tayo, na-apply natin mismo sa katawan natin, so madadala natin sa laro,” he advised. (CA)
