PGJC-Navy avoided a major collapse, escaping Savouge Aesthetics in five sets, 27-25, 28-26, 22-25, 16-25, 15-11, for its fourth consecutive win in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Joeven Dela Vega starred for the Sealions, unloading a game-high 27 points on 24 attacks, two blocks, and one ace to help his side secure the two-hour, 26-minute victory and hold the third spot momentarily with a 4-1 record.
“Doon kami nag-lapse sa depensa nung fourth saka third. Naging complacent, especially nung two sets na natalo kami nung third and fourth,” said Sealions head coach George Pascua after the hard-fought win.
Navy powered through extended affairs in the first and second set before bowing down to the Spin Doctors in the third and fourth, which sent the game to a decider.
The Sealions built a five-point advantage in the fifth, with Dela Vega, Greg Dolor, and Louie Pudadera anchoring a six-to-one run that turned a 5-all deadlock to an 11-6 advantage.
Jeremy Pedrosa and Charlee Magpayo scored on back-to-back plays to kick-start a 3-0 run for Savouge but it was not enough as Omar Lioc, Marvin Villanueva, and Dela Vega put on the finishing touches to secure the win.
“Satisfied naman, sabi ko nga kahit anong set importante manalo kami. Sabi ko ‘wag silang maging kampante kasi yung kalaban mas bata, mas aggressive. So kailangan tiyagain sa floor defense,” said Pascua.
Dolor chipped in 17 points, all on attacks, in the win while Peter Quiel and Lioc added 13 and 11 points, respectively, with Lioc also collecting 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs for Navy.
Jack Kalingking stepped up defensively and registered 20 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs while Pudadera tossed 13 excellent sets.
The Sealions look to stretch their dominant streak to five games on Sunday, 4:00 p.m. against VNS-Nasty at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, Savouge dropped their third consecutive game to fall to 1-3, good for fifth place.
Sherwin Caritativo top scored for the Spin Doctors with 20 points to go along with 20 excellent receptions while Pedrosa and Magpayo had 17 and 12, respectively, in the loss.
Savouge will look to end its slump against Philippine Air Force also on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
