VNS picked up where it left off, booting out D’Navigators Iloilo in four sets, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 25-19, to strengthen its semifinals bid in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Kenneth Daynata’s all-around performance propelled the Griffins to their second consecutive win after breaking a three-game losing streak. The victory kept their Final Four hopes alive in the Sports Vision-organized tournament, improving their record to 3-4 and keeping them in seventh place.
The 23-year-old outside spiker delivered 18 points on 12 attacks, five kill blocks, and one ace, complemented by 10 excellent receptions and five excellent digs in the one-hour, 30-minute match against the more seasoned D’Navigators.
“Tingin ko po nahirapan kami makapag-recover agad since lahat kami bata, pero bumawi naman kami sa third and fourth sets and nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Daynata, reflecting on the team’s second-set setback.
VNS faced an early deficit in the fourth set but responded with a blistering 14-4 run led by Daynata, Titus Villacrusis, Roderick Medino, and veteran Benjaylo Labide. The rally turned a 6-8 disadvantage into a commanding 20-12 lead, leaving the D’Navigators unable to mount a comeback.
“More on teamwork kasi nagpa-practice naman kami, continuous naman ‘yung practice namin. Actually, we’re just expecting to participate kasi nga pinasok namin ‘yung mga bata. Now, we’ve exceeded ‘yung expectations namin,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo.
Team captain CJ Segui, who came off the bench in the last two sets, contributed 11 points alongside eight excellent receptions, while Labide added 10 points despite playing only in the third and fourth sets.
Villacrusis and Medino chipped in nine points apiece in the crucial victory that kept the Griffins’ semifinals hopes alive in the Invitational Conference supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
VNS will face a formidable challenge when they take on the highly favored Cignal on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the D’Navigators saw their semifinals aspirations vanish after absorbing their sixth straight defeat, which dropped them to ninth place with a 1-6 record.
Madz Gampong led Iloilo with 15 points, while Kyle Villamor and Steven Sta. Maria contributed 14 points each. Vince Himzon added 11.
Jayvee Sumagaysay missed his third consecutive game for the D’Navigators, who will attempt to snap their losing streak against Savouge on Sunday at 2:00 p.m., also at the Ynares Sports Arena.
