The PGJC Navy Sealions are now in fourth place, after weathering the attack from D'Navigators Iloilo in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The PGJC Navy Sealions battled past D’Navigators Iloilo with a 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-19 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference preliminaries on Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The win allowed the Sealions to tie the Cignal HD Spikers in fourth place with a 2-1 record, staying within striking distance of undefeated leaders Savouge, DN Steel-FEU, and Criss Cross.
Despite dropping the third set due to service and communication issues, PGJC regrouped behind Joeven dela Vega, who led the charge with 20 points and 11 excellent digs.
“We lacked service reception, which led to several errors,” explained Dela Vega in Filipino, noting the team’s intermittent communication.
However, he remained optimistic, saying, “We adjusted and enjoyed the game in the fourth set. It’s a long journey, but we aim to improve each game.”
Greg Dolor added 14 points, while teammates Peter Quiel, Omar Lioc, and Nilo Jasmin chipped in nine, seven, and six points, respectively.
PGJC also dominated from the service line, tallying eight aces compared to just two from Iloilo.
Despite a late-game push from D'Navigators' JB San Andres, whose drop shot saved a match point, captain Kim Dayandante’s serve into the net ultimately handed Navy the win.
D’Navigators, now on a three-game losing skid, dropped to eighth in the 10-team standings, with San Andres leading the squad with 15 points, backed by Madz Gampong with 10 and Jayvee Sumagaysay and Edward Camposano adding nine apiece.
[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.]