Spikers’ Turf: Dolor, Umandal help semis-bound Navy sink VNS
Navy’s Greg Dolor. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — PGJC-Navy leaned on Greg Dolor and Jau Umandal to recover from a first set loss and send VNS-One Alicia to its third straight defeat, 19-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-21, in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Saturday at Paco Arena.
Dolor delivered the goods for the semis-bound Sealions with 17 points built on 14 attacks and three blocks to earn their third straight victory for a 4-1 record tied with defending champion Cignal.
Besides team captain Dolor, Jau Umandal chipped in 16 points to overcome the Griffins in one hour and 48 minutes, denying their opponents’ entry to the semifinals.
“They started a little jittery. I told them just to enjoy the game and play without pressure. Just communicate inside the court to execute our plays,” said Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada in Filipino. “They were having trouble with the first ball in the first set. I told them to take it easy and get a good first ball to create good plays. It’s a relief they were able to adjust.”
VNS-One Alicia dropped to 2-3. Army-Katinko, Sta. Rosa, and Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, tied at 1-4 as of posting time, remained in semifinals contention.
Ateneo is currently fighting for survival against the unbeaten No.1 seed National University-Sta. Elena.
Navy setter EJ Casana was instrumental with 15 excellent sets while middle blocker Ronniel Rosales had 11 points. Peter Quiel nailed four of the team’s 13 blocks to finish with 10 markers.
The Sealions will wrap up their elimination round campaign against the back-against-the-wall Sta. Rosa Lions on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
VNS-One Alicia tries to book the last semis berth against Army at 2:30 p.m.
Yoyong Mendoza and Ben San Andres carried the Griffins with 12 points each. Kevin Montemayor had 10 points, while Kim Malabunga and Roniey Adviento added nine markers each with Ish Polvorosa dishing out 21 excellent sets.
