Greg Dolor and the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions dimmed the title aspirations of the D’Navigators after carving out a come-from-behind victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals.
Greg Dolor and the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions dampened the title hopes of the D’Navigators, pulling off a thrilling reverse sweep, 18-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-18, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Sunday.
Dolor poured a game-high 30 points built on 26 attacks, three blocks, and an ace for the Sea Lions, who ended the round-robin playoffs with a 1-2 record while dragging the D’Navigators down to an identical 1-2 slate.
For the D’Navigators to advance to the championship round, the Cignal HD Spikers must defeat the Criss Cross King Crunchers in four sets or less. Any other result spells the end of their title aspirations.
In the decisive fifth frame, the Sea Lions relied on Dolor and Joeven Dela Vega to turn a 10-13 deficit into a 14-all affair. Both teams then went back and forth in the two-to-win situation, leading up to a deadlock at 18.
Omar Lioc then hammered down an off-the-block hit to put PGJC-Navy at match point before Francis Saura coughed out a fatal attack error that sealed the fate of the D’Navigators.
Dela Vega and Lioc provided ample support with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Louie Pudadera tossed 22 excellent sets.
Jack Kalingking also proved instrumental in the triumph with 19 excellent receptions and 15 digs for the Sea Lions, who edged the D’Navigators in attacks with a 72-67 differential.
On the other hand, Ed Camposano paced the losing side with a double-double of 23 points and 18 receptions, while Saura and Rash Nursiddik delivered 21 and 14 markers that went for naught.