PGJC Navy cruised to a victorious start in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, sweeping Chichi DHTSI 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
With Joeven dela Vega sitting out, new Sealions head coach Mike Santos gave the spotlight to Marvin Villanueva, who seized the opportunity. The 5-foot-11 wing spiker delivered a game-high 19 points on an efficient 14-of-23 in spikes, along with three service aces and two blocks, earning him the Player of the Game recognition.
“Practice pays off. Sa practice maganda yung pinapakita niya. Sabi ko tuloy mo lang, huwag kang ma-pressure,” said Santos.
“Kung tutuusin galing sa halos two weeks na pahinga from AFP Olympics kaya kitang-kita nung first set kinakalawang pa pero natapos naman namin nang maayos, strong finish kami,” the Navy mentor added, acknowledging their slow start.
After warming up in a close first set, the Sealions closed with a five-point run led by Greg Dolor, Villanueva, and Omar Lioc, with help from Titans’ errors, to seal the 25-20 opener.
That decisive 5-0 surge fueled PGJC Navy’s momentum as they dominated the next two sets, clinching the win in just 70 minutes.
Open Conference 2024 Best Outside Spiker Greg Dolor and Best Middle Blocker Peter Quiel contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the victory orchestrated by Marvin Hairami, who tallied 14 excellent sets.
PGJC Navy will have just one day to recover before facing the undefeated Far Eastern University-DN Steel on Sunday at the same venue.
Chichi DHTSI remained winless in the 10-team elimination round after four games, with their last two losses in straight sets. No Titans player reached double figures, with Rafael Del Pilar leading their scorers at six points.
Chichi DHTSI returns to action on November 3 against De La Salle-EcoOil at the Philsports Arena.
