VNS-Laticrete finally has a win to build on. The Griffins beat winless Armed Forces of the Philippines, 30-28, 25-20, 25-21, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Tournament on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The victory lifted VNS-Laticrete to 1-3 and into ninth place in the standings. It dropped AFP to 0-4, despite a 23-point effort from Ranran Abdilla.

Guerra and Umandal Lead Griffins

Howard Guerra, 16, kept the Griffins’ offense unpredictable with 18 excellent sets and four points of his own. Veteran Jau Umandal led the way with 18 points on 17-of-39 attacks and a block, plus 10 excellent receptions and four digs.

Noy Pedrosa added 11 points, while 15-year-old Raphael Galapin chipped in nine. Jayvee Sumagaysay had eight points, including three blocks, and 6-foot-5 Darryl Stover and 6-foot-4 John Dela Cruz had three apiece.

Head coach Ralph Ocampo called the game inspiring for his young squad. AFP players came to check out the kids before the match, and the youngsters learned from an experienced opponent they have faced before.

Griffins Hold Firm in Third Set

Clinging to a 21-20 lead late in the third set, VNS-Laticrete capitalized on a service error by AFP’s Pol Salvador. Umandal then hammered a spike off the blockers to make it 23-20.

James Buytrago answered with a quick hit for the Cavaliers, but Umandal struck again with a powerful spike off a mis-set. Guerra then denied Alfred Pagulong at the net to seal the win in one hour and 37 minutes.

Abdilla also had 20 attacks, two blocks and one ace, along with 12 excellent receptions and four digs. Kevin Liberato added six points, while Salvador, Buytrago and Herald Domingo had five apiece.

VNS-Laticrete faces 3B on Nov. 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, between the PVL matches featuring Galeries-Akari and Nxled-Choco Mucho. AFP will look for its first win on Nov. 4 against Clearskiiin at the FilOil Centre.