PGJC-Navy staved off a furious late-game rally from CJ Segui and VNS-Laticrete to avoid a monumental collapse, eking out a thrilling 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory for its first win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Still without top spiker Joeven Dela Vega, who is sidelined due to illness, the Sealions overcame a fiery comeback attempt led by Segui.
They also bounced back from their opening-day 23-25, 20-25, 13-25 defeat to Savouge last Friday in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The decisive fifth set was a nail-biter, with Navy desperate to shake off its sluggish play from the previous two frames while VNS-Laticrete pushed to complete its comeback.
Navy gained a slight edge midway through the decider as team captain Greg Dolor scored on back-to-back plays, sparking a 5-1 run that gave the Sealions a commanding 10-5 lead.
But the Griffins refused to back down. Segui caught fire, unloading six points in a scorching 7-0 blitz that pushed VNS ahead, 12-10. John Ashley Jacob kept Navy within striking distance, but an off-the-block hit by RK Medino put VNS at match point, 14-13.
However, a costly service error from Howard Guerra handed Navy a lifeline. Jacob then came up clutch with a crucial block against Kenneth Culabat, putting the Sealions back in front, 15-14.
Peter Quiel misfired on his serve, though, forcing another deadlock at 15.
From there, Navy took over. Jacob outsmarted the VNS blockers with a well-placed off-the-block hit before Dolor’s backrow attack pierced through three defenders, sealing the grueling two-hour, 25-minute match.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
“Sabi ko nga sa mga players ko, it’s a test of character eh. Kung sinong gusto manalo, ‘yun ang talagang mananalo. ‘Wag dapat bibitaw doon sa goal na kahit anong set, basta dapat manalo,” said returning Sealions head coach George Pascua.
Navy had earlier fended off a late Griffins rally in the opening set and overcame a sluggish start in the second to build a 2-0 lead. But Medino and Segui took charge for VNS, forcing a decider after dominating the third and fourth sets.
“Yung receive at blocking namin ‘yung naging problema, so ‘yun ‘yung mga kailangan naming i-improve,” Pascua added.
Dolor spearheaded Navy’s attack with 25 points, tallying 21 kills, three blocks, and an ace. Jacob provided ample support with 15 points, 13 coming from attacks, while Quiel contributed 10 markers, including five blocks.
Owen Suarez orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets and chipped in four points, while veteran libero Jack Kalingking anchored the defense with 16 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Navy looks to ride the momentum when it faces title contender Criss Cross on Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the Ynares Sports Arena, aiming for a second straight victory.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Meanwhile, VNS fell to 0-2 in the standings after another heartbreaking loss.
Segui delivered a game-high 26 points along with 16 excellent receptions, while Medino came off the bench to contribute 24 points in a losing effort. Culabat also had an impressive all-around performance with 14 points, 17 receptions, and 12 digs.
The Griffins will have their hands full as they take on defending champion Cignal on Wednesday at 6:00 PM, still searching for their first win of the season.
