Christian Marcelino powered PGJC-Navy’s five-set triumph over National University-Archipelago Builders, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-11, in the battle of also-ran squads in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Marcelino fired a personal-high 29 points on 28 attacks and an ace to help the Sealions improve their win-loss card to 4-5 after more than two hours of men’s volleyball action.
Marvin Villanueva added 14 points on 10 attacks and four blocks while Wilbert Sapida and Alfredo Pagulong chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Pagulong also had 22 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs in the win.
“Ang sinabi ko sa kanila, kung manalo sila kanina sa five sets, yun ang first time na mananalo sila sa mga fifth set namin na laban,” said Navy head coach Cecile Cruzada.
“So buti na lang tinawid nila ‘to, nanalo sila kahit mababa na yung ranking namin ang inaano namin is makadikit lang kami sa top four. Basta ipanalo lang namin,” she added.
Mac Bandola top scored for the Volley Builders, who dropped to 1-8, with 21 points on 18 attacks to go along with 17 excellent receptions.
Leo Ordiales and Jan Abanilla had 11 points apiece while Rwenzmel Taguibolos added 10 markers in a losing effort.
Navy looks to spoil VNS’ semis chances Sunday at 12:30 PM while NU will try to end its campaign with a win against the league-leading Cignal later that day at 3:00 PM at the same Paco venue.
