ClearSkiiin lost a 64-point first set, fell behind two sets to none and still took sole possession of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference lead. The newcomer UV Smashers beat VNS-Laticrete, 31-33, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-9, on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The five-set win lifted ClearSkiiin to 3-0 atop the tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. It also left the VNS Griffins winless in three games and last in the standings.

JM Ronquillo Fuels ClearSkiiin’s Spikers’ Turf Comeback

JM Ronquillo drove the turnaround with a conference-best 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks. His push in the decider helped ClearSkiiin build a 7-3 lead and take control of the match.

VNS trimmed the gap to 6-8 after a string of ClearSkiiin errors. A service error by Mohammad Patadon and a block by Renzel Antonio on Jau Umandal then sparked a 6-2 run that gave the UV Smashers match point at 14-8.

Jayvee Sumagaysay saved one match point for VNS with a quick hit. ClearSkiiin then closed out the two-hour, 12-minute match with an off-the-block attack to complete the reverse sweep.

Nas Gwaza added 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks and one ace, his best showing of the conference. Team captain Louis Gamban chipped in 13 points for the UV Smashers.

Antonio posted a double-double of 12 points and 30 excellent receptions. Klint Mateo dished out 21 excellent sets off the bench, while Bhim Diones registered 22 excellent digs.

Joe Bangit Credits Team Effort as VNS Stays Winless

UV Smashers head coach Joe Bangit credited the entire roster for the rally, not only the six players on the floor. He said every player in the huddle stayed locked into the match.

“What I really love about our comeback is that it was an entire team effort. It wasn’t just the players on the court. When I looked around, every player in the huddle was absolutely engaged, and I think that means a lot to the players on the court.”

“They’re paying attention, and maybe they care about the cameras being there, but they really care about each other and making sure their teammates on the court are pulling through. For me, as a coach, that’s super important.

“I think our secret weapon was ‘next ball’ and an entire team effort,” he added. ClearSkiiin will try to extend its unbeaten run to four games against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

ClearSkiiin outgunned VNS in attacks, 71-57, and in blocks, 14-10. It also held a 4-2 edge in service aces.

Umandal paced the Griffins with 16 points, all from attacks, and 19 excellent receptions. Jerremy Pedrosa tallied 14 points on 12 attacks, one block and one ace, while Julius Arcillo added 10 points.

Sumagaysay and Djomari Gamotea contributed 10 and eight points, respectively. VNS faces the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3:30 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, seeking its first win of the conference.