VNS secured a crucial victory by eliminating MKA-San Beda in straight sets, 29-27, 25-19, 25-19, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday evening.
Barbie San Andres's offensive prowess was once again on full display as he led with 16 points, comprising 15 attacks and one block, helping the Griffins force a tie with Cabuyao in the second spot of Pool B, both holding identical 3-1 records.
Three more players from VNS notched double digits in scoring, with Jeremy Pedro scoring 11 and the middle blocker pair of Jayvee Sumagaysay and Ralph Lacuanan contributing 10 points each after an hour and 19 minutes of play.
“Marami pa talaga kaming kailangan i-workout especially 'yung blockings namin. Tapos may time kasi na kapag lumalamang kami, nagiging kampante,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo, as his squad had to overcome an extended opener before seamlessly getting the next two for the win.
“So kailangan ma-maintain namin 'yung spirit ba mula zero to 25 hanggang makuha namin 'yung set. Mahirap maging kampante kasi may time na sobrang ganda ng laro ng Beda, so siguro ngayon medyo off game sila kaya nabigyan kami ng panalo,” he added.
Lorence Cruz, hailed as the best player of the match, tallied 17 excellent digs, along with two points, while Joshua Cruz registered 11 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
On the other hand, Axel Book and Kevin Montemayor scored 12 points each for the also-ran Red Lions, who dropped to 1-3.
