PGJC-Navy remained in contention for the top seed after eliminating Sta. Rosa City in three quick sets, 25-12, 25-11, 25-22 in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
Jau Umandal and Greg Dolor paced the Sealions with 12 points apiece. The former also had seven excellent receptions and four excellent digs in the win which only lasted for an hour and 13 minutes.
The 5-1 PGJC-Navy will take the top seed if National University-Sta. Elena loses its match against Cignal later in the day.
“Masaya naman kami sa panalo namin kasi yung pinag-ensayuhan nila nilabas nila kanina at sinabihan ko naman sila na yung game ngayon, parang gawin nilang tune-up game para preparation nila sa semis,” said Sealions head coach Cecille Cruzada.
Ahead by one in the third set, 17-16, Jemmy Entig spearheaded a 6-1 blast that gave PGJC-Navy a 23-17 advantage over the Lions. Consecutive errors coming from Marvin Hairami and Umandal pulled Sta. Rosa to within four but a Greg Dolor cross-court hit placed the Sealions at match point.
Jade Disquitado tried to save Sta. Rosa, unloading two consecutive hits in a 3-0 blast to slice the lead to just two, 22-24. However, Umandal took matters into his own hands and delivered the finishing blow that ended the Lions’ brave stand in the third.
Entig and Peter Quiel each had eight points for PGJC-Navy while Christian Marcelino added four markers. EJ Casana had 23 excellent sets to go along with four points as well.
Disquitado top scored for Sta. Rosa with a game-high 17 points on 13 attacks, three aces, and a block to go along with seven excellent digs. The Lions ended their Spikers’ Turf campaign with a 1-5 standing.
The playoffs will begin on September 24, Saturday.
