THE PGJC-Navy Sealions orchestrated a stunning comeback from two sets down, thwarting three match points and overcoming communication challenges to snatch a dramatic 18-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-18 victory over the bewildered D’Navigators in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Coliseum yesterday.
The victory not only snapped the Sealions’ slide in the semifinals, stemming from back-to-back losses that dashed their hopes of reaching the finals, but also jeopardized the D’Navigators’ championship aspirations.
With both teams ending with a 1-2 record, the D’Navigators’ dream hinged on the outcome of the Cignal-Criss Cross match being played at press time.
A Cignal win in three or four sets will keep the D’Navigators in the finals hunt. But if the match goes the distance, the King Crunchers could secure the other finals seat due to their superior set ratio.
The D’Navigators, finishing with four tally points, anxiously awaited the result, knowing their fate hung in the balance.
“Sabi ko naman sa kanila, nothing to lose naman na basta lumaban lang. Manalo o matalo, ang importante nandoon yung goal nila na positibo pa rin na kayang manalo sa kalaban kahit two sets down na,” said Navy head coach George Pascua.
While Greg Dolor delivered his best performance, erupting for 30 points, including 26 and three blocks, Joeven dela Vega emerged as a pivotal figure, igniting the Sealions’ resurgence in the third set with a remarkable display of skill and determination.
His powerful hits from the back row, coupled with Dolor’s contributions and the team’s tenacious floor defense, propelled the Sealions to crucial victories in the third and fourth sets.
Like in the first two sets, the D’Navigators appeared to have gained control in the decider after storming match point 14-11 on an Edward Camposano cross-court attack.
Like in the third and fourth frames, however, the Sealions also showcased their resiliency and resolve with Dolor unloading back-to-back off-the-block hits to put the team back in the match.
Navy also blew a couple of match points due to lapses in communication but Dela Vega kept the team in control with his power hits from the backrow and a collective team effort enabled them to seize control on Omar Lioc’s crucial off-the-block hit, edging closer to victory.
The Stallions sealed their remarkable comeback as Francis Saura’s final assault sailed long, sparking celebrations among the Sealions, led by coach George Pascua, and their supporters.
Despite the D’Navigators’ desperate block touch challenge to extend the match, the Sealions came out triumphant, exulting in a hard-earned win after suffering consecutive straight-set defeats.
Dela Vega finished with 17 points, while Lioc contributed 15 points and shone with 12 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
