VNS-Nasty secured its breakthrough win in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the expense of the luckless Richmarc Sports 3B, with a score of 25-20, 25-21, 25-15, on Friday, April 12, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Wewe Medina was outstanding for VNS, demonstrating efficiency in the spiking department by going 17-of-25 to finish with 18 points. He also tallied 12-of-17 excellent receptions and five digs.
With the win, moving them to 1-3, the Griffins breathed life into their dwindling semifinal chances, now jointly fifth with Philippine Air Force and Savouge Aesthetics.
“Nakakafulfill kasi nga bagong team kami, kung titingnan mo, halos lahat bago,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo.
“Maganda naman yung pinapakita namin, sadyang marami lang kaming errors last time kaya nakita namin na mayroon kaming potensyal pero hindi namin ma-close yung laro. Ngayong nanalo kami, umaasa ako na tataas yung morale namin at magiging maganda ang takbo,” he continued.
Tied at 17 in the second set, Wewe Medina, Louise Bartolome, Mike Doria, and Roniey Adviento collaborated for a strong finish, securing a commanding 2-0 set lead, 25-21.
After that, it was all VNS, as they opened the third set with a 13-5 run en route to victory in just one hour and 21 minutes.
Adviento contributed nine points, while Kenneth Culabat and Bartolome each scored eight points for the Griffins.
VNS will return on Sunday in a rare triple-header offering at the Philsports Arena, facing the streaking PGJC-Navy.
Richmarc bowed out of playoff contention with a 0-5 record, with just three games left to play.
Bonjomar Castel and Kaiiiser Rosales scored seven points each for the Elite Spikers, who drew 25 errors from VNS, including 11 in the second set alone.
Richmarc will attempt to secure their first win on Wednesday when they face Savouge Aesthetics at the same Pasig venue.