VNS-Laticrete needed an extra set but ultimately found a way, as the Griffins outlasted Alpha Insurance, 25-21, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, to break into the win column in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
CJ Segui delivered a career-best performance, erupting for 28 points built on 26 attacks and two kill blocks. The former Mapua High School standout also showcased his all-around game, tallying nine excellent receptions and five digs.
“This was like CJ’s graduation recital with us. It’s his last conference for VNS since he’s moving on to college. So we told him to show his best so that more opportunities will come his way,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo in Filipino.
The Griffins controlled the first two sets but faltered in the third, allowing the Protectors to extend the match.
With the score tied at 22 in the fourth set, Segui delivered a scorching cross-court attack, propelling the Griffins to a one-point lead. Riding the momentum, he unleashed another powerful spike on the following play.
However, the Protectors successfully challenged the call, overturning the point due to a ball out. Undeterred, VNS responded with a block touch challenge of its own, which was upheld, pushing the Griffins to match point at 24-22.
Although Vincent Nadera momentarily kept Alpha Insurance alive with a kill block, a costly net violation by Edward Camposano on the next play sealed the win for the Griffins after two hours of intense action.
“Some of the players got exhausted, but I’m proud that they showed their fighting spirit to finish the game,” said Ocampo.
With RK Medino sidelined due to back spasms, KC Culabat and Rash Nursiddik stepped up to support Segui. Culabat contributed 11 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Nursiddik also scored 11 points while filling in for middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay.
Setter Jan Mangulabnan orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and chipped in three points, while JM Espanso anchored the defense with 13 excellent digs.
The Griffins improved to a 1-3 record, tying PGJC-Navy for fourth place in the tournament backed by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
VNS will look to build on this momentum when it faces Savouge on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Meanwhile, Nadera led Alpha Insurance with 17 points, while Camposano and JJ Javelona added 15 and 12 points, respectively.
The Protectors, still searching for their first win, will have another chance when they take on the Sealions, also on Wednesday.
