VNS rekindles Spikers’ Turf semifinal hopes with comeback win over Alpha Insurance

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VNS broke through in clutch fashion, rallying from a set down to turn back Alpha Insurance 19-25, 25-15, 25-22, 26-24 and breathe life into its semifinal bid in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday, November 12, at the Paco Arena.

The victory snapped a four-game skid for the Griffins, who now face a do-or-die stretch against FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws and PGJC-Navy Sealions to stay in the race for the round-robin semis.

Noy Pedrosa leads VNS with clutch hits in a must-win match. [Spikers' Turf photo] — Noy Pedrosa leads VNS with clutch hits in a must-win match. [Spikers’ Turf photo]

Griffins steady late to survive Alpha Insurance rally

“Actually, naghirap naman kami – nag-training talaga kami for the game,” VNS coach Ralph Ocampo said. “Breaks of the game lang talaga, maganda ‘yung ginalaw ng mga bata.”

VNS seemed in control late in the fourth with a 22-16 lead before Alpha Insurance roared back with a 5-0 run capped by a Jerome Lopez 1-2 play. Noy Pedrosa fired a cross-court hit to steady the Griffins and a San Andres attack error put them at match point.

Alpha Insurance tied it at 24-all after a Pedrosa service error and a clutch block from Vince Himzon, but a service error by Rommelito Baptista gave VNS another chance. RK Medino then delivered the decisive push to seal the match and preserve the Griffins’ semis hopes.

Pedrosa paces VNS as defense anchors win

Pedrosa led VNS with 17 points and six digs, while Medino and Axel Book posted 15 and 10 points. John Diwa added nine, and Bembem Bautista and Andreii Bakil chipped in eight and seven.

Libero Howard Guerra turned in 22 digs, while Joshua Cruz tallied 13 receptions and 11 digs to spearhead the defense.

Ocampo emphasized mindset improvement. “Kahapon nagkaroon kami ng session about growth and mindset… every time na nasa training or game, they need to learn and have feedback and response para tuloy-tuloy ‘yung growth nila.”

VNS tries to build momentum against FEU-DN Steel on Friday at 10 a.m.

Alpha Insurance slipped to 2-3, with San Andres leading the way with 18 points and nine digs, while Himzon scored 16 behind 14 attacks and two blocks. The Protectors face the Sealions on Friday at 3 p.m.