VNS-Laticrete holds the edge in head-to-head matchups and momentum, but Alpha Insurance is determined to make a statement as they clash for the last semifinal spot in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
Both teams are tied at fourth with 2-6 slates in the standings, making this a must-win encounter. They enter the match with contrasting fortunes – the Griffins are coming off a straight-set victory over Navy, while the Protectors suffered a shutout loss to the Savouge Spin Doctors last Friday.
The winner will join unbeaten Criss Cross, defending champion Cignal, and surging Savouge in the semis, a single-round phase where the top two teams will battle for the title in a best-of-three series.
VNS heads into the match with confidence after securing a four-set win over Alpha Insurance in their first-round meeting lsat March 2. In that match, CJ Segui led the charge with 28 points, while Kenneth Culabat and Rash Nursiddik chipped in with 11 points each.
Despite their previous win, VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo remains cautious, emphasizing the need for consistency.
“Consistency is key. Our morale is up after our last win, but we are staying focused on our last three games against Navy, Alpha, and Savouge,” said Ocampo.
Segui is once again expected to lead the offensive attack for the Griffins, supported by wingers RK Medino and Culabat. Meanwhile, the Protectors will rely on their dynamic trio of Vincent Nadera, Edward Camposano, and JJ Javelona to spearhead their offense as they aim to make a strong impression in their debut season in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa
In other matches on this penultimate elimination round playdate, Cignal looks to bounce back from its second loss to Criss Cross when it faces already-eliminated PGJC-Navy (1-7) at 3:30 p.m. Later, the red-hot King Crunchers aim to move closer to a sweep against the unpredictable Spin Doctors at 6 p.m.
Led by Steven Rotter and JP Bugaoan, the HD Spikers hope to regain their dominant form against the struggling Sealions, who have lost their last six matches. Meanwhile, Jaron Requinton and Jude Garcia will once again anchor the King Crunchers, while the Spin Doctors lean on their explosive duo of Mark Calado and Shawie Caritativo in their quest to pull off an upset.
