PGJC-Navy scored its first win in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference via a 25-19, 25-14, 25-23 beating of winless Santa Rosa on Friday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The Sealions’ scoring was spread throughout as six players scored at least seven points led by Greg Dolor’s 12 including five blocks.
Middle blockers Geffrey Alicando and Jemmy Entig chimed in 10 and nine points, respectively, while Christian Marcelino and Marvin Villanueva had nine and eight.
Jude Garcia also made his debut for Navy and dropped seven points in just two sets of play.
“Lesson learned na kasi sa amin nung natalo kami sa Army kasi nung time na yun kulang kami sa communication, wala kaming teamwork pa dahil sa two weeks na pagsasama puro bago kasi, anim ‘yung nawala sa amin,” said Sealions assistant coach Leah Ariola as head tactician Cecille Cruzada had an emergency to attend to.
The youthful Lions from Laguna threatened to extend the match to a fourth set after grabbing a 23-21 lead in the third off a Jerico Adajar block of Marcelino’s attempt.
But Marcelino, Garcia, and Villanueva put Navy back on top with three straight conversions before Santa Rosa captain Harvey Quezada’s spike hit the antenna to seal the deal.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila huwag iunderestimate kasi puro bata ‘yan (Santa Rosa) eh saka bilog ang bola,” said Ariola on her reminder before the game.
Nobody scored double digits for the Lions as Anrie Bakil only got nine points while Kevin Montemayor and John Mendoza managed seven points each.
The Sealions joined the four-way logjam at the middle at 1-1, while Santa Rosa slid to the bottom at 0-3.
The Lions will be back in action on Wednesday against powerhouse AMC-Cotabato at 5:30 pm. On the other hand, Navy will next face Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography next Friday at 3 pm.
