ClearSkiiin stormed back from a two-set deficit to complete a thrilling reverse sweep of VNS-Laticrete, 31-33, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-9, and seize the solo lead in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
JM Ronquillo played a pivotal role in the comeback, erupting for a conference-best 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks to power the UV Smashers to the top of the Sports Vision-organized tournament with an unbeaten 3-0 record.
After forcing a deciding fifth set with back-to-back gritty wins in the third and fourth frames, Ronquillo sparked ClearSkiiin’s strong start in the decider, helping the UV Smashers build a 7-3 lead and seize control en route to completing the comeback.
The Griffins managed to close the gap to 6-8 following a string of errors from ClearSkiiin.
However, a service error by Mohammad Patadon and an emphatic block by Renzel Antonio against Jau Umandal halted VNS’ rally, sparking a decisive 6-2 run that put the UV Smashers at match point, 14-8.
Jayvee Sumagaysay saved a match point for VNS with a quick hit before Loisa Gamban sealed ClearSkiiin’s two-hour, 12-minute victory with an off-the-block hit.
“What I really love about our comeback is that it was an entire team effort. It wasn’t just the players on the court. When I looked around, every player in the huddle was absolutely engaged, and I think that means a lot to the players on the court,” said UV Smashers head coach Joe Bangit.
“They’re paying attention, and maybe they care about the cameras being there, but they really care about each other and making sure their teammates on the court are pulling through. For me, as a coach, that’s super important. I think our secret weapon was ‘next ball’ and an entire team effort,” he added.
Nas Gwaza also delivered his best performance of the conference so far, finishing with 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and one ace for ClearSkiiin. Team captain Louis Gamban chipped in 13 points.
Renzel Antonio added a double-double of 12 points and 30 excellent receptions, while Klint Mateo dished out 21 excellent sets off the bench and Bhim Diones registered 22 excellent digs.
The UV Smashers overwhelmed the Griffins with their firepower, finishing with a commanding 71-57 advantage in attacks and a 14-10 edge in blocks. They also outscored VNS in service aces, 4-2.
ClearSkiiin will look to extend its unbeaten run to four games when it takes on the Armed Forces of the Philippines on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, VNS suffered its third consecutive loss to fall to the bottom of the standings.
Umandal paced the Griffins with 16 points, all from attacks, and 19 excellent receptions, while Jerremy Pedrosa tallied 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Julius Arcillo added 10 points, while Sumagaysay and Djomari Gamotea contributed 10 and eight markers, respectively.
VNS will also face the Cavaliers on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, hoping to secure its first win of the conference.
