Spikers' Turf: Navy racks up back-to-back wins for share of third place

PGJC Navy celebrates against VNS in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 6, 2024 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media

MANILA -- PGJC Navy pulled off a straight-sets victory against VNS, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20, to gain a share of third place in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Sealions have now won back-to-back games after splitting their first two assignments, with their 3-1 win-loss record tied with powerhouse Cignal HD. 

"It's a good game, maganda naman 'yung pinakita ng mga players," said Navy head coach Mike Santos. "Lumabas na 'yung pinag-ensayuhan namin. Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na 'di namin pwedeng baliwalain 'yung kalaban ngayon."

"Basta nilaban lang namin kung ano 'yung meron," he added.

Navy had a 46-27 advantage in attacks and a 9-3 edge in blocks, as they kept the Griffins in check with their net defense. 

Joeven Dela Vega led Navy with 14 markers on 12 attacks and two blocks, while skipper Greg Dolor dished out a 12-point performance. John Ashley Jacob, Nilo Jasmin and Peter Quiel had eight points each. 

Navy will take on the 2-0 La Salle-EcoOil on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.

VNS, meanwhile, absorbed its third consecutive loss for a 1-4 card. Roderick Medino and CJ Segui tallied six and five points, respectively, for the Griffins, who will face the winless Chichi DHTSI on Wednesday at p.m, also at Ynares.