Joeven Dela Vega and the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions fended off the D’Navigators, inching closer to the bronze medal in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference battle for third place.
The PGJC-Navy Sea Lions inched closer to a podium finish after taking down the D’Navigators, 25-17, 16-25, 25-18, 33-31, in Game 1 of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference battle-for-third at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Wednesday.
The Sea Lions brushed aside a second-set hiccup and overcame the late challenge of the D’Navigators to move a win away from the bronze medal.
Joeven Dela Vega spearheaded the balanced offensive thrust of PGJC-Navy, pouring 17 points built on 15 attacks, a block, and an ace.
Captain Greg Dolor and Peter Quiel pitched in 14 markers apiece, while Wilbert Sapida supplemented 12 points.
Omar Lioc delivered a near double-double of 10 markers and nine receptions for the Sea Lions, who strung 27 excellent sets from Louie Pudadera.
Engaged in a 24-all deadlock late in the fourth set, both teams exchanged blows, leading up to another stalemate all the way to 31 apiece. Deanne De Pedro tried to push the D’Navigators ahead but his service sailed wide, before Quiel nailed the finishing hit.
Ed Camposano paced the losing side with 17 points and 13 receptions that went for naught, while Renz Engay, Jayvee Sumagaysay, and Rash Nursiddik had 14, 11, and 10 markers, respectively.
Francis Saura did not see action for the D’Navigators due to a knee injury.
Game 2 of the bronze medal series will take place on May 10, Friday, at the same venue.