In the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at Paco Arena on Sunday, PGJC-Navy secured a 25-18, 24-26, 25-22, 25-21 victory over Philippine Air Force. This win ended their two-game losing streak while extending their opponents’ losing streak to three games.
Greg Dolor, the Sealions’ captain, led his team to victory with 25 points on 22 attacks, two kill blocks, and a service ace.
Dolor was particularly instrumental in the fourth set, where he scored six points down the stretch and secured the game-clinching block over Edwin Tolentino.
Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada said, “In our practice, we really needed communication, first ball, and blockings. I was happy because our blockings and first ball improved today.”
Navy’s defense was particularly impressive, with the team registering nine blocks compared to their opponents’ six.
In the third set, the Airmen made several errors that resulted in four free points for the Sealions. That turned a 19-all affair into a 25-22 loss, with Dolor and Christian Marcelino delivering crucial hits.
Navy rose to a joint sixth place with Philippine Army, with a record of 2-3. Meanwhile, the Air Force dropped to 1-5.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin yung Air Force na sana manalo kami kasi nga humahabol kami sa rankings ngayon,” added Cruzada.
Marcelino added 17 points and 16 excellent receptions for the victors, while Marvin Villanueva, who is filling in for Jude Garcia, contributed 10 points and seven digs.
For the Airmen, Ranran Abdilla scored back-to-back backrow kills to give the team their lone set. He finished with 25 points, 13 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Tolentino scored 16.
Rence Melgar, the team’s libero, took care of the floor defense, making 24 receptions and 14 digs.
Navy will take the floor anew on Wednesday against Vanguard at 5:30 PM. Meanwhile, Air Force will seek to end its skid on Friday against streaking Santa Rosa.
