VNS-Laticrete boosted its semifinals chances by eliminating PGJC-Navy, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Friday.
The Griffins improved to 2-6 for joint-fourth with the Alpha Insurance Protectors. The first three semifinals seats have already been booked by Criss Cross, Cignal, and Savouge, in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
With their records tied, that makes Sunday’s clash at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig between VNS-Laticrete and Alpha Insurance all the more important with one semis ticket remaining.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Kailangan namin manalo sa Alpha. Sobrang halaga niya, kailangang galingan talaga. Ang team ko kasi sobrang inconsistent eh, may rallies na maganda ang galaw namin, may time na bababa. Kailangan lang namin maging consistent all throughout,” said VNS-Laticrete head coach Ralph Ocampo.
The Sealions looked prime taking the second set after erecting a 19-15 lead but unfortunately, that would be their last point. RK Medino, Jayvee Sumagaysay, and CJ Segui teamed up for 10 straight points to close it out and give the Griffins a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Segui once again led VNS-Laticrete with 17 points on an efficient 16-of-28 clip from attacks to go with 10 excellent receptions.
Medino, a 16-year-old spiker, was a revelation with 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Meanwhile, Kenneth Culabat chipped in 11 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions in the 77-minute victory.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, PGJC-Navy — still missing key players like Greg Dolor and Joeven dela Vega — slid to 1-7 at the bottom of the standings.
Although they can still push their record to 3-7, the Sealions’ maximum match points would only be eight, not enough to reach the top four.
Peter Quiel was the lone Navy player in double figures with 15 points on 10 spikes and five blocks. Jack Kalingking also impressed with 21 receptions and 10 digs.
