ClearSkiiin showed its fighting spirit when it mattered most, rallying from two sets down to pull off a thrilling 31-33, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-9 reverse sweep of VNS-Laticrete and claim the solo lead in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
JM Ronquillo spearheaded the UV Smashers’ comeback with a conference-best 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, powering ClearSkiiin to an unbeaten 3-0 record atop the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
After clawing their way back with gritty wins in the third and fourth sets, the UV Smashers carried their momentum into the decider, with Ronquillo leading the charge as they built an early 7-3 advantage.
The Griffins trimmed the deficit to 6-8 following a string of ClearSkiiin errors, but a service error by Mohammad Patadon and an emphatic block by Renzel Antonio against Jau Umandal halted VNS’ rally.
ClearSkiiin then unleashed a decisive 6-2 run to reach match point at 14-8. Jayvee Sumagaysay saved one point for VNS with a quick hit before Loisa Gamban sealed the UV Smashers’ two-hour, 12-minute victory with an off-the-block attack.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“What I really love about our comeback is that it was an entire team effort. It wasn’t just the players on the court. When I looked around, every player in the huddle was absolutely engaged, and I think that means a lot to the players on the court,” said UV Smashers head coach Joe Bangit.
“They’re paying attention, and maybe they care about the cameras being there, but they really care about each other and making sure their teammates on the court are pulling through. For me, as a coach, that’s super important. I think our secret weapon was ‘next ball’ and an entire team effort,” he added.
Nas Gwaza delivered his best performance of the conference so far, tallying 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and one ace for ClearSkiiin, while team captain Louis Gamban chipped in 13 points.
Antonio added a double-double of 12 points and 30 excellent receptions, while Klint Mateo dished out 21 excellent sets off the bench and Bhim Diones registered 22 excellent digs.
The UV Smashers overwhelmed the Griffins offensively, finishing with a commanding 71-57 advantage in attacks and a 14-10 edge in blocks. They also held a 4-2 advantage in service aces.
ClearSkiiin will look to extend its unbeaten run to four games when it faces the Armed Forces of the Philippines on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, VNS absorbed its third consecutive defeat to fall to the bottom of the standings.
Umandal paced the Griffins with 16 points, all from attacks, and 19 excellent receptions, while Jerremy Pedrosa contributed 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Julius Arcillo added 10 points, while Sumagaysay and Djomari Gamotea chipped in 10 and eight markers, respectively.
VNS will also face the Cavaliers on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium as it seeks its first win of the conference.
