No Joeven dela Vega? The PGJC Navy Sea Lions still managed to right the ship with Marvin Villanueva stepping up to the task against the Chichi DHTSI Brotherhood Titans in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
PGJC Navy Sealions kicked off their 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign with a commanding sweep over the Chichi DHTSI Brotherhood Titans, winning 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite missing key player Joeven dela Vega, the Sealions shone under new head coach Mike Santos, who turned the spotlight on Marvin Villanueva. The 5-foot-11 wing spiker rose to the occasion, scoring a game-high 19 points with a 14-of-23 spike rate, three service aces, and two blocks, earning Player of the Game honors.
“Practice pays off,” said Santos. “Sabi ko tuloy mo lang, huwag kang ma-pressure.”
The Sealions warmed up with a close 25-20 first set, finishing on a 5-0 run led by Villanueva, Greg Dolor, and Omar Lioc, capitalizing on Titans' errors. That momentum carried them through the next two sets, wrapping up the match in just 70 minutes.
Greg Dolor, the Open Conference’s Best Outside Spiker, and Peter Quiel added 12 and 11 points, respectively, with Marvin Hairami orchestrating 14 excellent sets.
PGJC Navy faces the undefeated FEU-DN Steel on Sunday. Chichi DHTSI, still winless in four games, will return to action against De La Salle-EcoOil on November 3.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]