The PGJC Navy Sealions avoided a 0-2 hole as they bounced back against the VNS-Laticrete in five sets in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
The PGJC Navy Sealions fend off a gritty VNS-Laticrete, 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25, 17-15, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
PGJC Navy nearly squandered a two-set lead but staged a gritty comeback in the decisive fifth set, overcoming a two-point deficit and fending off a match point.
Greg Dolor delivered the clutch play, soaring from the back row for a kill that clipped the net and dropped into an open spot – sending the Sealions and their fans into celebration while leaving the Griffins in dismay.
VNS had seemed poised for a stunning comeback after taking the third and fourth sets and surging to a 12-10 lead in the fifth, but the Sealions’ composure and veteran experience proved decisive in the endgame.
The victory marked a strong rebound for PGJC Navy after a straight-set defeat to the Savouge Spin Doctors in last Friday’s opener.
Meanwhile, VNS suffered its second straight loss, following a shutout defeat to Criss Cross on the same day.
Despite missing top spiker Joeven Dela Vega due to illness, the Sealions managed to regain their footing in the final frame after struggling in the previous two sets.
Meanwhile, the Griffins, powered by the relentless CJ Segui, pushed to complete their stunning fightback.
Dolor provided the spark for Navy in the decider, scoring back-to-back points to fuel a 5-1 run that gave the team a commanding 10-5 advantage.
But VNS refused to back down. Segui spearheaded a scorching 7-0 run, firing six straight points to propel the Griffins ahead, 12-10. John Ashley Jacob kept Navy in contention, but an off-the-block hit by RK Medino pushed VNS to match point at 14-13.
A costly service error by Howard Guerra, however, handed Navy a lifeline. Jacob then delivered a crucial block on Kenneth Culabat, shifting the lead in the Sealions’ favor at 15-14.
VNS forced an extension after Peter Quiel misfired on his serve, but Jacob responded with a smart off-the-block attack. Dolor then delivered the knockout blow with a powerful back-row hit against three defenders, sealing the intense battle after two hours and 25 minutes.
"I told my players that this was a test of character. The team that truly wants to win will prevail. No matter what set it is, we have to fight to win," said returning Navy head coach George Pascua in Filipino.
The Sealions had earlier fended off a late Griffins rally in the opening set and overcame a slow start in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. However, Medino and Segui combined efforts to shift the momentum in VNS’ favor, forcing a decider.
"Our receiving and blocking struggled, so those are areas we need to improve," added Pascua.
Dolor spearheaded Navy’s attack with 25 points, tallying 21 kills, three blocks, and an ace. Jacob added 15 markers, 13 of which came from attacks, while Quiel contributed 10 points, including five blocks.
Setter Owen Suarez provided 17 excellent sets while adding four points, while veteran libero Jack Kalingking anchored the defense with 16 excellent receptions and nine digs.
The Sealions will next face title contender Criss Cross on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena, aiming for their second straight win in three starts in the double-round elims among six teams.
On the other side, Segui carried VNS with 26 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Medino provided a huge boost off the bench with 24 points. Culabat also delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 14 points, 17 receptions, and 12 digs.
Still searching for their first victory, the Griffins will take on defending champion Cignal on Wednesday at 6 p.m.