After a disappointing campaign in the 2024 Invitational Conference, PGJC-Navy wasted no time regrouping, eager to reassert its dominance in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The season-opening tournament of the country’s premier men’s volleyball league kicks off on Friday, February 21, at the Ynares Sports Arena, featuring a triple-header. The Sealions take on Savouge at 1 p.m., followed by Cignal facing Alpha Insurance at 3:30 p.m. VNS-Laticrete then wraps up the opening day against Criss Cross at 6 p.m.
Determined to improve on last season’s finish, PGJC-Navy is banking on continuity, retaining its core while adding key reinforcements to bolster its title chances.
Leading the charge once again are the dynamic duo of Greg Dolor and Joeven Dela Vega, supported by seasoned mainstays Marvin Villanueva, Omar Lioc, and Peter Quiel.
The Sealions also welcome back libero Jack Kalingking, who missed the last conference due to Navy commitments.
Further strengthening their roster, PGJC-Navy has acquired middle blockers Herald Domingo and Bonjomar Castel while also securing the return of veteran setter Owen Suarez.
With an improved lineup, team captain Dolor has his sights set on a podium finish after last season’s seventh-place showing.
“Mataas yung expectation namin na makapasok kami sa semis kasi pinaghahandaan talaga namin ito eh. Every team naman naghahanda, pero yung sa amin kasi talagang after December, training na ulit kami,” said Dolor.
“Hindi kami tumitigil na kailangan natin maabot yung pangarap natin na makuha yung gold, pero syempre hindi siya makukuha ng basta-basta. Step by step, game per game. Then kapag makapasok ng semis, yun, papalarin tayo,” he added.
The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with matches scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The top four teams will advance to the round-robin semifinals, while both the Finals and the battle for bronze will be best-of-three series.
Despite a compact schedule requiring teams to play three times a week, Dolor remains confident in the depth of the Sealions’ roster, believing that anyone can step up when needed.
“Doon na pumapasok yung sa training namin na healthy competition. Hindi mo masasabi kung sa next game maganda yung laro ng bawat isa, so ginagawa namin sa training healthy competition,” said Dolor.
“May mag-step up kapag may pangit ang laro. Hindi lang first six yung maglalaro. Sa training, lahat tinatrabaho ng coaches namin para lahat kami magpantay-pantay. Para pagdating ng game, wala masyadong adjustment kasi pantay-pantay kami.”
Adding to the Sealions’ firepower is the return of head coach George Pascua, who missed the 2024 Invitationals while conducting coaching clinics in the United States.
For the veteran tactician, the goal remains clear—secure a podium finish, just as they did in the 2024 Open Conference, where the Sealions clinched bronze in his first tournament with the team.
“Hopefully, one step forward sa naachieve namin nung nandito ako, and then syempre mag-aim pa rin kami na baka sakaling mag-champion kami. It’s a process, medyo mahirap, pero kakayanin,” said Pascua.
With a renewed roster, a returning coach, and a hunger to reclaim their spot among the league’s elite, PGJC-Navy is ready to make waves in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
