VNS-Laticrete will enter the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference just as it has in previous editions—one of the youngest squads in the tournament.
But as always, the Griffins will balance their youth movement with a few seasoned veterans, providing leadership both on and off the court.
Despite their relatively young roster, returning player Jayvee Sumagaysay warned that their inexperience shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness.
“For me kasi, bata sila sa edad pero when it comes sa skills and sa kundisyon ng katawan, para sa akin matanda na sila, matured na sila,” said Sumagaysay during the league’s media day on Monday. The tournament kicks off on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“Siguro ang ine-expect ko na ipapakita ng team this conference is maganda kasi nakita naman natin last conference kung paano nag-perform yung mga bata. Kahit na champion team yung kalaban nila—Criss Cross ang kalaban nila—hindi sila nagpakita na naiintimidate sila. Yun yung pinakamaganda,” he added.
Head coach Ralph Ocampo’s squad will open their campaign on Friday at 6 p.m. against back-to-back silver medalists Criss Cross King Crunchers.
The six-team tournament will feature a double round-robin preliminary phase, with the top four teams advancing to the round-robin semifinals.
Veterans Kenneth Culabat and Bryan Jaleco will also provide leadership, while rising stars CJ Segui, Howard Guerra, and Titus Villacrusis aim to make their mark.
Sumagaysay, who played for the D’Navigators last conference, has returned to VNS-Laticrete for the 2025 season, eager to share his experience with the team’s young core.
“Yung way nila kung paano nila tulungan and bigyan ng opportunity yung mga bata, yun yung pinakareason kung bakit ako bumalik sa VNS,” he said.
“Same pa rin nung nag-start ako sa VNS, ang pinaka nilu-look forward ko dito is yung ma-share ko yung knowledge ko sa paglalaro ng volleyball. Kasi alam natin na yung players ng VNS ay mga bata, so nandito na ako siguro sa phase ng career ko na mas gusto ko nang ma-share yung knowledge ko na magbe-benefit naman yung mga bata.”
