PGJC-Navy scored its second consecutive victory at the expense of Vanguard, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena, Wednesday night.
The duo of Greg Dolor and Christian Marcelino did most of the damage for the Sealions, unloading 20 points and 19 points, respectively, to help their side hike their standing to 3-3.
After taking the first two sets, PGJC-Navy failed to secure the game in the third set after the Volley Hitters delivered three consecutive points courtesy of Jeremiah Barrica and John Diwa to break a 22-all deadlock and send the game to a fourth set.
“Siguro nadala ko rin sila kasi medyo nagalit na ako kasi nga wala silang laro, parang sumasabay sila sa laro ng kabila so sabi ko sa kanila, kung hindi nila tatapusin yung fourth set pag-eensayuhin ko sila bukas so alam na nila yun kaya buti na lang tinapos na nila,” said Sealions head coach Cecile Cruzada.
Both teams figured in another tight affair in the fourth but a service error from John Carlo Desuyo followed by a crosscourt hit from Greg Dolor pushed the PGJC-Navy at match point, 24-22.
Vince Abrot answered with a crosscourt attack of his own to keep his team afloat but Dolor’s off-the-block hit sealed the win for the Sealions.
“Alam kasi nila kapag hindi sila nag-respond. Sisingilin ko sila pag-balik ng ensayo namin so buti na lang naka-adjust sila agad kasi nga tahimik sila kanina kaya hindi sila nagkakaintindihan. At least nung fourth set nag-usap na sila, nag-salita na sila,” added Cruzada.
Abrot finished with 21 points along with 15 excellent receptions for the 1-5 Vanguard while Joven Camaganakan and Diwa added 15 and 13 in the loss.
PGJC-Navy takes on Iloilo next Wednesday at 5:30 PM while Vanguard will face the league-leading Cignal on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
