LIPA CITY, BATANGAS—VNS took the last semifinals ticket in Pool A after eliminating Basilan, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 in the PNVF Champions League, Wednesday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
The Manileño Spikers ended the group stage with a 1-1 standing with four points. They also set up a date with Team Dasma in the semis.
With the Steel Spikers misfiring, Geuel Asia took advantage and converted an ace. That put VNS at match-point, 24-22, in the third set.
Razzel Palisoc kept Basilan alive, but a service error from Aldren Banaag put an end to Basilan’s playoff dreams.
“Actually ngayon kasi, sabi ko nga sa kanila do or die game. Matagal na kaming nagte-training mga two months. Ang pinakawino-worry talaga namin kasi is most of my players are mga bagets pa eh,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo.
“So how can they handle yung pressure? Kasi yung mga kalaban namin majority doon mga veterans. So sinabi ko lang sa kanila, we need to stick doon sa system na ginagawa namin sa defense and attack. Tapos nun, lalabas ‘yung result kung magagawa namin ng tama,” he added.
Ben San Andres showcased his all-around game in the win, finishing with 13 points, 13 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos added 10 points for the Manileño Spikers. Meanwhile, team captain Geuel Asia scattered 19 sets, six digs, and two points.
On the other hand, Basilan ended the group stage with a 0-2 standing. It was led by Razzel Palisoc with 12 points.
VNS will take on Team Dasma in the semifinals on Friday at 4:00 PM. On the other hand, Basilan will head to the classification stage on Thursday, 1:30 PM where they will face the fourth-ranked squad in Pool B.
