PGJC-Navy’s Greg Dolor tries to score off VNS’ Ben San Andres during their Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals match yesterday. PVL photo
Navy sinks VNS
ELIMINATION round topnotcher PGJC-Navy scrambled past VNS-One Alicia, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, to log its first semifinals win yesterday in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Greg Dolor had two blocks for a 20-point outing, while Jao Umandal scored 12 points, including the match-clinching kill that completed the comeback from a 12-16 hole, to go with 15 receptions.
“Siguro itong laban namin, medyo pangit yung laro namin ngayon, pero naipanalo,” said PGJC-Navy coach Cecille Cruzada after the one-hour, 30-minute contest. “Nawalan kami ng first receive talaga at tsaka parang hindi nag-synchronize yung blockings namin kaya medyo nawala kami.”
Taking over from Ronniel Rosales who suffered an injury in the first set, Jemmy Entig also played big for the Sea Lions with nine points.
“Si Entig, malaking tulong din kanina kasi gumana siya. Masaya ako kay Entig kasi nag-step up siya,” said Cruzada.
Up next for PGJC-Navy, which has won five straight matches, is a showdown with NU-Sta. Elena tomorrow. The Sea Lions’ lone loss came from the hands of the Nationals, a five-setter last September 6.
EJ Casaña tossed in 23 excellent sets while libero Vince Lorenzo tallied 18 receptions.
Kevin Montemayor led the Griffins with nine points, while Ben San Andres and Uriel Mendoza each had eight points.
VNS remained winless against the top three teams in the eliminations, going 0-4 overall.
