Despite sitting at seventh with a 3-4 record, the Griffins showed flashes of brilliance and a newfound maturity that has eluded them throughout the tournament. Their ability to recover from a second-set meltdown and handle the pressure in the final two sets was the key to their triumph, keeping their slim semis hopes alive.
Kenneth Daynata put up a stellar performance, racking up 18 points, including five kill blocks, and adding 10 excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. He acknowledged the team’s past struggles under pressure but praised their resilience and focus in the third and fourth sets.
“Tingin ko po nahirapan kami makapag-recover agad since lahat kami bata, pero bumawi naman kami sa third and fourth sets and nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Daynata, 23.
The one-hour, 30-minute victory kept their chances of making the Final Four in the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
But the Griffins face an uphill climb in their final two preliminary matches, facing off against the powerhouse Cignal HD Spikers on Friday and taking on the undefeated DN Steel FEU Ultras next Sunday.
Despite the daunting task, Daynata expressed confidence in the team’s potential to rise above their youth and inexperience.
“We’re still young, but we need to be braver and stronger,” said Daynata in Filipino. “We’ll make sure to play like mature players and give our best in these final games.”
Their resolve and growth will face the ultimate test as they strive to keep their postseason dreams alive against overwhelming odds. However, their fate doesn't rest solely in their hands, as their chances also depend on the outcomes of matches involving other contending teams.
The ousted D’Navigators fell to 1-6.
VNS found itself trailing early in the fourth set but unleashed a blistering 14-4 run, ignited by the combined efforts of Ken Daynata, Titus Villacrusis, Roderick Medino and veteran Benjaylo Labide. Transforming a narrow 6-8 deficit into a commanding 20-12 advantage, the Griffins seized control of the match, leaving the D’Navigators unable to mount a comeback.
“More on teamwork kasi nagpa-practice naman kami, continuous naman ‘yung practice namin. Actually, we’re just expecting to participate kasi nga pinasok namin ‘yung mga bata. Now, we’ve exceeded ‘yung expectations namin,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo.
Team captain CJ Segui, who came off the bench in the last two sets, scored 11 points laced with eight excellent receptions, while Labide registered 10 points despite playing only in the third and fourth sets.
Villacrusis and Medino had nine apiece in the crucial victory that kept the Griffins in the semis hunt in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Meanwhile, Madz Gampong led the D’Navigators with 15 points, while Kyle Villamor and Steven Sta. Maria added 14 points each and Vince Himzon finished with 11 markers.
Jayvee Sumagaysay missed his third consecutive game for the D’Navigators.
The D’Navigators will try to snap their long spell when they take on the skidding Savouge Spin Doctors on Sunday at 2 p.m., also at Ynares.
