Philippine Air Force ended its six-game slump by slaying VNS-Nasty in five sets, 29-27, 15-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-13, to end its 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on a good note Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Airmen finished with a 2-6 record, tied with the Griffins for sixth to seventh places. The latter hold the tiebreaker due to superior match points.
“Masaya na ako kasi sobrang na-down sila nung pagkatalo namin ng dire-diretso. Tinapos namin yung tournament ng panalo yun namnan ang importante kasi kita mo naman yung mga player namin bata pa talaga,” said Air Force deputy coach Jessie Lopez.
A through-the-block hit by Wesley Cajolo put the Airmen at match point, 14-11, but Rocky Motol denied Pol Salvador in the next play followed by a Kenneth Culabat drop ball to pull the Griffins within a point, 13-14.
However, Herald Domingo finished the match with a booming quick spike for the Air Force win in two hours and 40 minutes.
Bryan Jaleco led the way for the Airmen with 21 points and 13 excellent receptions while Cajolo backed him up with 18 points.
Salvador supplied 11 points and 10 receptions, while Domingo netted eight points founded on five blocks.
James Buytrago, who provided the spark to the Airmen in the fourth set, injured his right hand late in the frame. He was rushed to the nearest medical facility after receiving first aid.
On the other hand, it was Wewe Medina who spearheaded VNS-Nasty with 24 points, 20 receptions, and 12 digs.
Roniey Adviento poured 20 points while Culabat delivered 16 points and 11 receptions in the losing cause.
