VNS showed its composure when it mattered most, slaying National University-Archipelago in a nail-biter, 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 20-25, 17-15, in the 2023 Spikers Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Volley Builders threatened to complete their comeback from two sets down by reaching match point first off a Leo Ordiales block on Pemie Bagalay but the latter responded right away with an off-the-block kill to extend the match, 14-14.
Bagalay then drilled a drop shot before committing an attack error to knot the decider anew at 15 but Ordiales’ service in the ensuing play fell short. Noy Pedrosa then finished the match for the Griffins with an off-the-block spike that saw the ball reach the stands.
“Mahirap talaga kasi mahina kami sa attacks. Tenth kami sa attacks pero number one kami sa digs so ang pinakagoal lang talaga is maconvert namin lahat ng nadidig namin to attacks,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo on what needed to be done.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila nothing to lose. Ang kalaban natin malaki so tapang lang sa atake,” he added.
After dropping the first frame, NU answered with a 14-8 opening in the second but it squandered that and fell to the Griffins anew, 25-21.
The Volley Builders though learned their lessons and took care of their early leads in the third and fourth periods to force a fifth set.
Pedrosa led the balanced attack of VNS with 13 points, while Bagalay had an all-around showing of 11 points, 18 excellent receptions, and seven digs.
Russel Fronda and Rocky Motol were forces at the net, netting seven of the Griffins’ eight blocks. They ended with 10 points apiece.
VNS evened its record at 2-2 while keeping National U winless in four outings.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos held the fort for the Volley Builders with 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks, and a service ace.
Mac Bandola added 18 points while Bryan Jaleco got 16.
VNS will next face Philippine Air Force on Wednesday, 3 pm, while NU – like AMC-Cotabato and Iloilo – will return on March 1.
This, as the three squads have players that were named to the Philippine men’s national volleyball team pool that is going to Taiwan for a 10-day training camp.
