PGJC-Navy made quick work of VNS-One Alicia, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21, to move on the verge of a bronze finish in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Thursday at the Paco Arena.
With the victory, the Sealions arrested their two-game skid and have a chance to clinch third place on Saturday at 2:30 pm.
“Masaya na at least nakapagpahinga rin ‘yung players namin coming from the loss, at least ngayon bumawi sila, bumalik sa winning and hopefully makuha na namin sa Saturday,” said PGJC-Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada.
Jao Umandal, Ronniel Rosales, and Joeven Dela Vega unleashed an off-the-block kill and back-to-back rejections, respectively, to give the Sealions the first frame, 25-20.
The Griffins tried to mount a comeback from a 15-23 deficit in the second set but Omar Lioc shut the door with a through-the-block spike, 25-19.
VNS-One Alicia played catchup anew in the third period, closing the gap from six to two, but Jemmy Entig and Greg Dolor connected on a 3-1 closing run for the win, 25-21.
“Move on na lang kami sa talo namin noong nakaraan. Goal namin ngayon is makuha ‘yung bronze and sa Saturday sana mas [itodo] pa namin ‘yung game para makuha na namin,” said team captain Dolor.
Dela Vega, still playing hurt, unloaded 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace laced with seven digs as well for the Sealions.
Also coming through for PGJC-Navy were Dolor who finished with eight points while Umandal got seven points in just two sets as he was rested in the third.
None reached double figures for the Griffins, who were paced by Ben San Andres’ nine points to go with 11 excellent receptions.
Yoyong Mendoza chipped in eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong came off the bench and contributed seven points of his own.
