Kenneth Daynata in action for VNS against D'Navigators in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 17, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL MediaMANILA -- The VNS Griffins eked out a four-set win against D'Navigators Iloilo to stay in the hunt for a semifinals spot in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
VNS claimed its third win against four losses after taking down D'Navigators, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 25-19.
Kenneth Daynata put up a stellar performance, racking up 18 points, including five kill blocks, and adding 10 excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors.
"Tingin ko po nahirapan kami makapag-recover agad since lahat kami bata, pero bumawi naman kami sa third and fourth sets and nakuha namin ‘yung panalo," said Daynata after their one-hour, 30-minute win.
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Though they are now in higher spirits, VNS is still in a must-win situation heading into their final two assignments in the preliminary round, where they will play Cignal HD and DN Steel-Far Eastern University.
D'Navigators, for its part, is out of the running with a 1-6 win-loss slate.
VNS dug itself out of a hole in the fourth set, uncorking a 14-4 run to seize a commanding 20-12 advantage that took the fight out of D'Navigators.
Team captain CJ Segui, who came off the bench in the last two sets, scored 11 points laced with eight excellent receptions, while Benjaylo Labide registered 10 points despite playing only in the third and fourth sets.
Meanwhile, Madz Gampong led the D'Navigators with 15 points, while Kyle Villamor and Steven Sta. Maria added 14 points each and Vince Himzon finished with 11 markers.
Jayvee Sumagaysay missed his third consecutive game for the D'Navigators, who will take on Savouge on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.