VNS averted a major collapse against young SASKIN-Philippine Christian University Dasmarinas, 25-13, 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-10, to get its first win in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
After dominating the first two sets, the Griffins lost their edge in the next two. That sent the game to a fifth set, where they finally got their act straight.
VNS has forced a three-way tie with Philippine Air Force and MKA-San Beda for the third spot via identical 1-1 slates in Pool B.
“Actually we tried kasi yung mga bagets nung third set and then nagkaroon lang ng mga problema kasi tine-test namin yung system namin how it works. Kahit sino kasing i-pasok mo it should work eh,” VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo.
“Nung set three ayun, hindi namin natapos tapos nung set four yung yung dilemma namin na yung mga starters namin malamig. Tapos nung fifth set ayun, naka-execute naman nang maayos,” he added.
The Griffins opened the fifth set red-hot with Pemmy Bagalay leading a 7-1 start that ultimately took the Dolphins out of the match. P
CU managed to close within four before Lorence Cruz and Bagalay put on the finishing touches for the win.
Barbie San Andres spearheaded VNS with 19 points on 19 attacks to go along with eight excellent digs. Meanwhile, Bagalay and Jayvee Sumagaysay each contributed 14 markers in the 2-hour and 5-minute contest.
On the other hand, Reynald Honra led PCU-D with 19 points on 15 attacks and four blocks to go along with nine excellent digs.
Carlo Agatep had 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks in the loss that dropped the Dolphins to 0-3.
VNS takes on Cabuyao on Wednesday, 11:00 AM, at the same venue. Meanwhile, PCU-D eyes its first win, also against the Cabstars on November 24, 1:00 PM.
