In a thrilling match, VNS displayed its composure at the crucial moment and defeated National University-Archipelago with a nail-biting score of 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 20-25, 17-15 on Sunday in the 2023 Spikers Turf Open Conference held at the Paco Arena in Manila.
In the deciding set, the Volley Builders seemed poised to make a comeback from their two-set deficit, with Leo Ordiales blocking Pemie Bagalay to earn the first match point. However, Bagalay quickly retaliated with a kill off the block, keeping the match alive at 14-14.
Bagalay then executed a drop shot but committed an attack error, tying the set at 15. However, Ordiales' service in the next play fell short, and Noy Pedrosa sealed the victory for the Griffins with a spike off the block that landed in the stands.
"It's difficult because our attacks are not high, we're 10th in attacks but first in digs, so our goal is to convert all our digs into attacks," VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo said. "I told the players to play with courage in their attacks, because we have nothing to lose against a strong opponent."
VNS improved its record to 2-2, while keeping National U winless in four games
After losing the first set, NU started strong in the second, leading 14-8, but ultimately fell to the Griffins, 25-21. However, the Volley Builders improved in the third and fourth sets, preserving their early leads to force a fifth set.
Pedrosa led the balanced attack of VNS with 13 points, while Bagalay contributed 11 points, 18 excellent receptions, and seven digs. Russel Fronda and Rocky Motol dominated at the net, contributing to seven of the Griffins' eight blocks, and finishing with 10 points each.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos stood out for the Volley Builders with 19 points, 14 attacks, 4 blocks, and a service ace, while Mac Bandola added 18 points and Bryan Jaleco contributed 16.
