CJ Segui delivered a masterclass performance as VNS-Laticrete clawed back from an early deficit to outlast Alpha Insurance in four sets, 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, moving to the brink of a semifinal berth in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Segui was a man on a mission for the Griffins, who are now in prime position to secure the final playoff slot despite a 3-6 record. He received vital support from returning veterans Jayvee Sumagaysay and Bryan Jaleco in their crucial victory in the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
Segui erupted for 22 points off 20 attacks and two aces while adding 19 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs for VNS.
Jaleco and Sumagaysay contributed 12 and nine points, respectively, with the latter accounting for three of the team’s total seven blocks.
(C) Spikers Turf
“Spikers’ Turf, siyempre labanan ng experience ‘yan eh, pero may times talaga na mangingibabaw ‘yung experience. So tinry ko si Bryan (Jaleco), medyo gamay naman niya ‘yung gagawin,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo.
“Segui is a young leader, kahit sabihin mong malakas siya maglaro, he’s still very young. Pagbalik ni Jayvee (Sumagaysay), nagkaroon ng support sa leadership,” he added.
With the Protectors threatening to force a fifth set, Segui rose to the occasion, delivering a powerful off-the-block hit before JJ Javelona committed a costly attack error that gave VNS a 23-20 edge.
Javelona momentarily made up for his mistake to halt the bleeding for Alpha Insurance, but KC Culabat quickly responded with a cross-court kill to push the Griffins to match point, 24-22.
Edward Camposano kept the Protectors alive with an off-the-block attack, but Rash Nursiddik sealed the hard-fought win for VNS with a clutch running hit.
“’Yung kalaban namin malakas, malaki sila eh. Pero sabi ko nga we need to play smart versus ‘yung mga ganung kalaban. First set, talagang outplayed kami eh. Ang lakas ng serve ng kalaban tapos nahirapan kami umatake kasi ang lakas nila eh,” Ocampo said.
KC Culabat chipped in 10 points and 12 excellent receptions for the Griffins.
Meanwhile, Nursiddik added nine markers in the pivotal victory that bolstered their semifinal chances in the tournament supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
Jan Mangulabnan orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets to go along with 14 points, while JM Espanso contributed 12 excellent digs.
VNS aims to formalize its entry to the round-robin semifinals when it faces Savouge on Wednesday, 6:00 PM, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
(C) Spikers Turf
Meanwhile, the Protectors dropped to 2-7 in the standings. They must win their final elimination round assignment against defending champion Cignal, also on Wednesday, 1:00 PM, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Even then, Alpha Insurance will still have to await the result of the match-up between the Griffins and the Spin Doctors.
Vincent Nadera and Camposano both finished with 17 points, while Javelona added 13 markers in the tough loss.
