VNS-Laticrete’s semifinal hopes in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference received a crucial boost with the timely return of veteran Jayvee Sumagaysay and Bryan Jaleco late in the second round of the eliminations.
Sumagaysay — who just returned in their previous match — and Jaleco made their presence felt as the Griffins took down Alpha Insurance in four sets, 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, to gain an edge in the tight two-team race for the final semifinal spot on Sunday.
Jaleco entered the match in the second set and later started the last two frames, finishing with 12 points, 11 of which came from attacks.
Meanwhile, Sumagaysay, a key player in their narrow third-set win, tallied nine points and contributed three of the team’s seven blocks.
Sumagaysay and Jaleco suited up in the VNS’ first two games of the conference before various factors sidelined them for most of the elimination round.
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker out of University of Sto. Tomas sustained a knee strain during their first-round clash against PGJC-Navy last February 23, sidelining him for the next five games, where the team struggled to a 1-4 record.
Meanwhile, the former National University outside hitter had to attend to personal matters in his hometown of Palawan, causing him to miss six games.
“Spikers’ Turf, siyempre labanan ng experience ‘yan eh, meron kaming (RK) Medino na bagets, pero may times talaga na mangingibababaw ‘yung experience,” said Griffins head coach Ralph Ocampo following their back-to-back victories.
“So tinry ko si Bryan (Jaleco), si Bryan naman nagti-train sa’min, umuwi lang siya ng Palawan so pagkabalik niya ng training, medyo gamay naman niya ‘yung gagawin eh. Good thing na maganda ‘yung pinakita niya ngayon.”
Ocampo highlighted the importance of Sumagaysay and Jaleco’s return, emphasizing how their presence brings experience and much-needed stability to the up-and-coming squad.
He also noted that Sumagaysay plays a vital role, particularly in mentoring CJ Segui and the rest of the young Griffins as they navigate high-pressure moments in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league — a fact evident in their previous match.
(C) Spikers Turf
“Yun actually ang pinaka-magandang factor with Jayvee (Sumagaysay). Segui is a young leader, kahit sabihin mong malakas siya maglaro, he’s still very young,” said the Mapua High School coach.
“Pagbalik ni Jayvee, nagkaroon ng support sa leadership kasi ‘pag bata may time na medyo nalo-lost. At least meron siyang parang mentor, mine-mentor niya si Segui. Na-injure siya eh, maganda ‘yung comeback niya sa’min.”
Ocampo also commended Sumagaysay’s dedication to the team, returning to the court despite not being at full strength just to bolster their semifinal bid.
“Nagka-strain siya sa tuhod eh nung first game namin versus Navy kaya nawala siya in a long time. So nagre-rehab lang siya, ngayon I think hindi pa siya 100 percent,” said Ocampo.
“Seventy-percent lang si Javyee eh, talagang nilalaban niya and ayun sobrang importante ‘yung command and leadership niya sa kids.”
VNS, now holding the fourth spot with a 3-6 win-loss record, is not in the clear just yet. The 2-7 Alpha Insurance still has a slim chance of snatching the final playoff berth.
However, with Sumagaysay and Jaleco back in the fold, Ocampo remains confident that their experience and leadership will give the Griffins the edge they need to close out the eliminations strong and secure a spot in the semifinals.
