A spark plug off the bench since joining PGJC Navy in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf season, Marvin Villanueva seized the big stage when given the opportunity.
His role – admittedly as a “magic bunot” – shone when Sealions head coach Mike Santos inserted him into the starting lineup in place of resting star Joeven dela Vega.
The 5-foot-11 opposite spiker was glad to prove himself during Navy’s 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 conquest of Chichi DHTSI, delivering a game-high 19 points in a variety of ways.
Villanueva was ultra-efficient in his spike attempts, going 14-of-23 while also tallying three service aces and two blocks, which earned him his first-ever Player of the Game recognition in the men’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Nabigla lang ako kasi first time ko kasi na nababad sa laro saka ‘yung POG first time ko rin yun,” said the thankful Villanueva, who hails from Cagayan de Oro.
“Maganda sa pakiramdam, thankful lang ako sa mga kuyas ko. Ginawa ko talaga yung best ko para ipakita sa coaches ko at teammates ko na kaya ko rin pala ‘yung kaya ni Kuya Joeven,” he continued.
More than the boost this performance will add to his confidence, Villanueva was proud to have finally given his parents in Mindanao a game to remember.
His parents are always avid watchers of the Sealions, even from afar, as the Spikers’ Turf is aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand options available through the Pilipinas Live app and also streamed via the official Spikers’ Turf website.
“Ang ganda sa pakiramdam na makita ng parents ko na ganon ‘yung laro ko kasi first time din nila na makita na babad na babad ako sa laro. Nasa province po sila at ngayon lang po nila nakita na grabe yung laro ko,” said the 26-year-old spiker from Pilgrim Christian College in CDO.
Villanueva and the entire PGJC Navy look to sustain their fine form come Sunday when they take on the still-unbeaten Far Eastern University-DN Steel.
