3B ended a three-game skid with a resilient four-set victory over VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 26-24, 14-25, 25-23, Wednesday, March 11, at the Filoil Playtime Centre. The win kept the Event Masters in contention for the semifinals of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference eliminations.

After losing momentum in the third set, 3B regrouped to hold off VNS in a tense fourth set. The victory marked only their second of the tournament, both over the same opponent, giving them a 2-4 record.

Event Masters rally to secure crucial win

3B coach Arjay Francisco acknowledged the match’s difficulty. “This was supposed to be an easy match, but we lost a set. Still, this win is very important for our top-four chase,” he said.

VNS threatened to force a fifth set after Jerzy Santos’ backrow attack pushed the Griffins ahead, 21-20. A misfired serve by Elijah Guzman shifted momentum, allowing Kenneth Bartolome and Aldre Ferrer to score consecutive kills for 3B, giving them a 23-21 lead.

Christian Olaes delivered the decisive attack, sealing the match for the Event Masters after one hour and 32 minutes. The team overcame 29 errors to claim the win, demonstrating resilience in critical moments.

Key performances fuel 3B’s surge

John Vincent Ramos led 3B with 21 points from 20 attacks and one block. Olaes added 20 points, including seven of the team’s eight blocks. Carl Berdal scored 12 points, while Kenneth Daynata contributed 10 points along with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Setter Aldre Ferrer orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets. Joshua Datu anchored the floor defense, recording 19 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, ensuring 3B’s comeback was fully secured.

3B will face Alpha Insurance on Friday at 3 p.m., while VNS, still searching for a first win, will take on AEP-Cabstars on the same day. Guzman led the Griffins with 15 points, followed by Jerzy Santos with 12 and Winfred Santos with 10.