The duo of Greg Dolor and Jao Umandal lit it up as PGJC-Navy started the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals round with a straight sets clipping of VNS-One Alicia, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, at the Paco Arena on Thursday.
Dolor ended the first frame, where PGJC-Navy lost Ronniel Rosales to a left ankle injury, with an off-the-block hit for the early lead, 25-23.
Umandal, Joeven dela Vega, and Jemmy Entig connived for the Sealions’ 6-2 finishing kick in the second for the 2-0 set advantage, 25-22.
Trailing 12-16 in the third, PGJC-Navy then turned to its captain anew as Dolor led their 13-6 burst for the clincher, 25-22.
“Itong laban namin, medyo pangit ‘yung laro namin ngayon. Pero naipanalo nila kahit nawalan kami ng first receive talaga, and parang hindi nag-synchronize ‘yung blockings namin,” said Sealions head coach Cecille Cruzada.
Dolor was PGJC-Navy’s high man with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, while Umandal had 12 points to go with 15 excellent receptions.
Entig stepped up big with nine points, while Dela Vega played significant minutes in his return since his injury incurred last September 8 against Army-Katinko. He finished with seven points in less than two sets played.
Nobody from the VNS-One Alicia camp breached double figures, with Kevin Montemayor getting nine points. Meanwhile, Ben San Andres and Yoyong Mendoza had eight apiece.
The Sealions (1-0) will next face National University-Sta. Elena, their lone tormentor in the eliminations, on Saturday, 2:30 pm.
“Kukuha kami ng butas para manalo sa NU-Sta. Elena. Mageensayo pa kami para sa Saturday babawi kami sa kanila,” said Dolor.
Meanwhile, the Griffins look to take their first win at 5:30 PM, later that day against Cignal.
