VNS-Laticrete bounced back from a tough opening set setback and outplayed Alpha Insurance in crucial moments in the next three, clinching a 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 victory to move closer to the semifinal round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday.
CJ Segui delivered another outstanding performance, scoring 22 points, 20 from attacks and two aces, while showcasing his defensive skills with 19 excellent receptions and nine digs. His all-around effort helped the Griffins claim the crucial win that hiked their record to 3-6 (win-loss).
The Protectors, on the other hand, fell to 2-7 and will have their final elimination match on Wednesday, facing powerhouse Cignal, while VNC battles Savouge.
Veteran players Jayvee Sumagaysay and Bryan Jaleco also stepped up for VNS, contributing 12 and nine points, respectively. Jaleco, in particular, made a defensive impact with three of the team’s seven kill blocks, playing a crucial role in the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
The Protectors were on the brink of securing a commanding 2-0 set lead but let a four-point advantage slip away late in the second frame. Segui spearheaded the Griffins' remarkable comeback, not only leveling the match but also shifting the momentum in favor of VNS.
"It’s always a battle of experience, and sometimes experience really prevails," said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo in Filipino. "That’s why I brought in Bryan (Jaleco). He already knows what to do."
"Segui is a young leader. No matter how strong he plays, he’s still young. But when Jayvee (Sumagaysay) returned, it provided leadership support," added Ocampo.
With Alpha Insurance threatening to force a deciding fifth set, Segui rose to the occasion, unleashing a powerful off-the-block attack that gave VNS a crucial 23-20 lead. Although JJ Javelona tried to keep the Protectors in the game, KC Culabat responded with a well-placed cross-court shot to bring VNS to match point, 24-22.
Edward Camposano briefly kept the Protectors alive with an off-the-block hit, but Rash Nursiddik sealed the win for VNS with a running attack.
"Our opponents were strong and had the size advantage. We needed to play smart against a team like that," said Ocampo. "In the first set, we were completely outplayed. Their serves were powerful, and we struggled to attack against their strong defense."
Culabat provided solid support for the Griffins, finishing with 10 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Nursiddik added nine points in the crucial victory. Their win bolstered VNS’ chances of competing in the semis alongside unbeaten Criss Cross, defending champion Cignal and the unpredictable Savouge.
Jan Mangulabnan also shined with 22 excellent sets while scoring 14 points, and JM Espanso contributed 12 excellent digs.
The Griffins will face a tough test against the Spin Doctors at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, while the Protectors will try to upset the HD Spikers in the 1 p.m. match.
Vincent Nadera and Camposano led Alpha Insurance with 17 points each, while Javelona chipped in 13 markers.
