Carl Berdal led 3B Event Masters to a dramatic 25-20, 25-19, 25-27, 21-25, 15-13 victory over VNS Always Bright Laticrete at the FilOil Centre on Sunday, March 1, posting a conference-high 29 points.

The Event Masters recovered after a mid-match collapse, salvaging a crucial win to rebound from their opening game shutout loss to Savouge Spin Doctors. Berdal’s offensive firepower and defensive presence anchored 3B throughout the 2-hour and 17-minute thriller, the tournament’s first full-route match.

Trailing after dropping the third and fourth sets, 3B appeared on the verge of a meltdown. The Griffins surged back with youthful energy, pushing the match to a tense decider. But the Event Masters rediscovered their poise at the right moment, weathering the storm and shutting down VNS’ comeback attempt.

Berdal and Daynata carry 3B in fifth set

With the score tight in the final set, Kenneth Daynata struck a cross-court attack, followed by Berdal’s back-to-back kills to swing momentum. Ronnie Adviento’s net touch extended 3B’s lead to 12-9, yet the Griffins refused to fold, narrowing the gap with consecutive attacks from Howard Guerra and Adviento.

Berdal and Guerra traded blows in a tense exchange before Christhian Olaes and Jerzy Santos secured crucial points to put the Event Masters at match point, 14-13. Olaes then delivered the decisive push that sealed the victory for 3B.

Daynata finished with 20 points, all from attacks, and 15 excellent receptions, while Israel Encina added 14 points on 10 attacks, three kill blocks, and an ace. Aldre Ferrer contributed four points, including three aces, despite being limited to 11 excellent sets.

Griffins fight hard but remain winless

VNS Always Bright Laticrete slipped to 0-3 after the defeat, staying at the bottom of the six-team double round-robin tournament. Jerzy Santos led the Griffins with 16 points off the bench, while Adviento posted 14 points, eight digs, and 10 receptions.

Guerra, who began as setter but moved to the wings mid-match, distributed 21 excellent sets and scored 11 points. Winfred Santos and Djomari Gamotea finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Despite their spirited comeback, the Griffins could not overcome 3B’s late-match composure.

3B will look for back-to-back wins against Alpha Insurance on Wednesday at 5 p.m., while the Griffins aim to snap their losing streak against the Spin Doctors at 3 p.m., both matches at the FilOil Centre.