PGJC-Navy star Jau Umandal is keeping his eyes on the prize.
After the Sealions took the number one seed in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals, Umandal was quick to remind his teammates that the job is not yet done. Rather, coming out of the eliminations at the top is just the first step in their goal.
“Ngayon, maghahanda pa rin kami. ‘Di pwedeng porket nanalo kami, relax na kami. ‘Di pwede yun, so double time kami sa training, paghahandaan talaga kasi hindi basta basta yung makakalaban namin lalo na round robin siya,” said Umandal after PGJC-Navy’s three-set win over Sta. Rosa City on Tuesday.
“Mahirap ‘to kasi kailangan mong makakuha ng at least dalawang panalo to make sure na nasa top ka. Pero ngayon, syempre kailangan hustle pa rin,” he added.
The Sealions wasted no time in dispatching the young Lions, scoring a quick 25-12, 25-11, 25-22 win with Umandal leading the way. He finished with 12 points, seven excellent receptions, and four digs.
Cignal then handed National University-Sta. Elena its first loss of the tournament via a 25-22, 25-22, 25-22 sweep. The HD Spikers’ win officially gave PGJC-Navy the number one spot in the standings.
“Ginawa namin yung best namin today para kung sakali ‘man, yung game mamaya, depende sa results, kung ano ‘man mangyari, (may chance) na mag-rank one kami. Syempre malaking achievement sa team namin, lalo na sa Navy na mag-rank one kami sa elims, siguro laking motivation rin para samin kasi naabot namin yung goal namin e,” shared the National team standout.
“Ang goal lang kasi namin this conference is pumasok kami sa apat, step by step lang ba. ‘Di namin minamadali kung ano yung mangyayari,” he added.
Umandal also said that this win would be a huge boost for the squad and its semifinal campaign, which will start this coming Thursday.
“Malaking kumpyansa namin ngayon. Mataas yung morale namin, yung confidence ng bawat isa sa amin. Kumbaga, lahat synchronized yung galaw kasi yun yung pinakamagandang nangyari sa team namin ngayon.”
