VNS pounced on the absence of Ranran Abdilla as it grounded the Air Force, 25-16, 25-18, 25-23, to close out the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference elims with a 4-1 (win-loss) slate at the Paco Arena in Manila Friday night.
"At least naipakita naman namin na kaya naming sumabay. Sa kasamaang palad, triple-tie kasi, so late kasi nag peak yung team. At least we've seen kung anong kayang ibigay, masaya na ako doon," said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo of their campaign.
The Griffins strategically shifted middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay to the setter position with wing spiker Pemie Bagalay taking over as the quicker.
It worked as the Griffins battled back from 12-16 down and sustained their charge to log the 69-minute victory with Sumagaysay sealing the victory with a crucial block.
Barbie San Andres and Noy Pedrosa led the Griffins with 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Ralph Lacuanan and Sumagaysay finished with eight and seven points, respectively.
Abdilla, who scored a league-high 47 points in his last game against La Salle, failed to suit up as he is currently representing the country in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Edwin Tolentino scored nine points while JR Labrador added six points for the Arimen, who ended up fifth with a 1-4 card.
