PGJC-Navy made short work of Santa Rosa, 25-13, 25-16, 25-21, Friday to become the first team to advance to the men’s semifinals of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League at the PhilSports Arena.
“It’s all about teamwork and communication,” said Christian Marcelino, who led the Sea Lions with 14 kills. “Confidence can play a big role really for a team. I’m very thankful for my teammates because they do their roles as well as our coaches.”
Greg Dolor and Joeven de la Vega scored 13 points each for Navy.
Cecille Cruzada—one of two female coaches handling a men’s team in the Champions League, the other being Sherry Ann Floresca of Baguio City—was satisfied with the way the Sea Lions are performing as they picked up where they left off after sweeping Pool A of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal HD, One Sports, Cignal Play, F2 Logistics and Amigo Entertainment.
“So far, we are peaking,” said Cruzada, who steered the military team to a third place finish in the recent Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. “During training, we work overtime for our service receive and they performed well.”
Unbeaten in five matches, Navy will face at 5:30 p.m. Saturday either North Cotabato or Army Taguig City for a place in Sunday’s final.
Jade Disquitado had nine points to lead the Lions, one of two best third-placed teams in the pool round.
The women’s semifinals is Saturday with Pool B winners CPS-Antipolo City facing Pool A second placer Imus City at 3 p.m., right after Pool A topnotcher Quezon City and Pool B No. 2 University of the East-Manila take the floor at 1 p.m.
In the final day of pool play Thursday night, Casiey Dongallo dropped 11 of her 21 points in the first set while Jelai Gajero added 19 points, including three blocks, as the CAL Babies completed a three-match sweep of their pool with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-14 rout of Davao.
Ja Lana and KC Cepada each had 13 points to power the Lady Warriors to a 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 victory over Bulacan to clinch the remaining semis berth with a 2-1 card.