With their semifinal dreams hanging by a thread, VNS-Laticrete found salvation in the timely return of veterans Jayvee Sumagaysay and Bryan Jaleco, who delivered clutch performances in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Sumagaysay and Jaleco made an immediate impact as the Griffins claimed a crucial four-set win over Alpha Insurance, 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, on Sunday, strengthening their grip in the tight race for the final semifinal spot.
Jaleco entered the match in the second set before starting the final two frames, finishing with 12 points, 11 of which came from attacks. Meanwhile, Sumagaysay, pivotal in VNS’ narrow third-set win, tallied nine points, including three of the team’s seven blocks.
The duo’s return proved crucial for the Griffins, who had struggled without them for most of the elimination round. Sumagaysay, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from University of Santo Tomas, missed five games after sustaining a knee strain in their first-round clash against PGJC-Navy last February 23. During his absence, VNS stumbled to a 1-4 record.
Meanwhile, Jaleco, a former National University standout, had to attend to personal matters in Palawan, missing six games before rejoining the team.
“Spikers’ Turf syempre labanan ng experience ‘yan eh,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo, emphasizing the value of seasoned players in crucial moments. “Meron kaming (RK) Medino na bagets, pero may times talaga na mangingibababaw ‘yung experience.”
Ocampo credited Jaleco for staying committed despite his time away from the team.
“So tinry ko si Bryan (Jaleco), si Bryan naman nagti-train sa’min, umuwi lang siya ng Palawan so pagkabalik niya ng training, medyo gamay naman niya ‘yung gagawin eh. Good thing na maganda ‘yung pinakita niya ngayon,” he said.
Sumagaysay’s return, however, came with more than just skills—it brought leadership. Ocampo highlighted the veteran’s mentorship role in guiding young star CJ Segui, who has carried a heavy leadership burden this season.
“Yun actually ang pinakamagandang factor with Jayvee (Sumagaysay). (CJ) Segui is a young leader, kahit sabihin mong malakas siya maglaro, he’s still very young,” Ocampo noted.
“Pagbalik ni Jayvee, nagkaroon ng support sa leadership kasi ‘pag bata may time na medyo nalo-lost. At least meron siyang parang mentor, mine-mentor niya si Segui. Na-injure siya eh, maganda ‘yung comeback niya sa’min,” he added.
Despite still not being at full strength, Sumagaysay’s determination to return to the court underscored his commitment to the Griffins’ playoff push.
“Nagka-strain siya sa tuhod eh nung first game namin versus Navy kaya nawala siya in a long time. So nagre-rehab lang siya, ngayon I think hindi pa siya 100 percent,” Ocampo revealed.
“70 percent lang si Jayvee eh, talagang nilalaban niya and ayun sobrang importante ‘yung command and leadership niya sa kids,” he added.
With VNS improving to a 3-6 win-loss record and clinging to fourth place, their semifinal bid remains uncertain. Alpha Insurance, sitting at 2-7, still has a slim chance to challenge for the last playoff berth.
However, with Sumagaysay and Jaleco back in action, Ocampo is optimistic that their experience and leadership will guide the Griffins to a strong finish and secure a coveted semifinal ticket.
