At just 16, Howard Guerra is already showing he can dictate the tempo of a Spikers’ Turf match. The teenage setter delivered a conference-best 37 excellent sets to orchestrate VNS-Laticrete’s second consecutive victory in the 2026 Open Conference.

Guerra’s playmaking proved central to the Griffins’ 26-24, 25-13, 25-27, 25-17 triumph over 3B at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, November 4. He also contributed six points as VNS-Laticrete continued to find its rhythm in the tournament.

The performance marked a significant jump from Guerra’s previous outing, when he recorded 18 excellent sets in the Griffins’ first victory over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 27.

His precise distribution helped keep the VNS offense productive, allowing five Griffins to finish in double figures. The teenager’s ability to involve multiple attackers became a major factor in the team’s commanding performance.

Guerra Fuels Balanced Griffins Attack

Team captain Noy Pedrosa led the scoring with 18 points on 16-of-26 attacks, while Jau Umandal delivered an all-around performance with 16 points, 11 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

CJ Segui added 13 points, while Djomari Gamotea and Andrie Bakil contributed 12 and 10, respectively. Mohammad Patadon also anchored the defense with 26 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

The Griffins’ offensive numbers reflected their ability to capitalize on Guerra’s distribution, finishing with a 62-49 advantage in attacks. They also dominated the blocking department, 14-5, and held an 8-5 edge in service aces.

VNS-Laticrete briefly lost control in the extended third set but responded strongly in the fourth to secure the victory. Head coach Ralph Ocampo said the team still needed to improve its consistency in crucial moments.

Griffins Build Momentum for Savouge

“Happy naman ako sa performance namin. We thought na makukuha namin nung third set, pero mas naging consistent ‘yung kabilang team nung patapos so we need to learn from that situation,” Ocampo said.

The victory improved VNS-Laticrete’s record to 2-3, lifting the Griffins to fifth place in the standings of the tournament. The back-to-back wins offer encouragement as the team looks to sustain its progress.

The Griffins will next face Savouge on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the same venue, where Guerra and his teammates will try to extend their winning streak.

Meanwhile, 3B absorbed its second consecutive defeat to fall to 1-3. Ralph Cabalsa led the Event Masters with 17 points, while Harry Ocay recorded 12 points and 16 excellent receptions.

Carl Berdal added 11 points and 19 excellent receptions for 3B, which will look to bounce back against Alpha Insurance on Sunday at 3 p.m.