Action between Alpha Insurance and VNS in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 12, 2025 at the Paco Arena in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- VNS revived its semifinal hopes in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference after a four-set victory over Alpha Insurance, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
The Griffins had to overcome an opening set loss and survive a late rally from their foes before coming away with a 19-25, 25-15, 25-22, 26-24 victory.
The win ended VNS' four-game skid, but they are still in a must-win situation for the rest of the tournament to stay in the hunt for a semis berth.
"Actually, naghirap naman kami – nag-training talaga kami for the game. Breaks of the game lang talaga, maganda 'yung ginalaw ng mga bata," said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo
The Griffins had to dig deep late in the fourth set as the Protectors mounted a furious rally, erasing what was once a comfortable 22-16 cushion. Jerome Lopez capped a blistering 5-0 Alpha Insurance run with a clever 1-2 play that trimmed the gap to just one, 21-22, putting VNS under pressure.
Noy Pedrosa answered with a thunderous cross-court hit, and a costly attack error by Barbie San Andres put the Griffins match point at 24-22.
Pedrosa, however, fouled up on the service line and Vince Himzon came up with a clutch block moments later to tie the game at 24. Fortunately for VNS, Rommelito Baptista's service error gave them another chance, and RK Medino capitalized with a decisive push to seal the win.
"Kahapon nagkaroon kami ng session about growth and mindset – na every time na nasa training or game, they need to learn and have feedback and response para tuloy-tuloy 'yung growth nila," added Ocampo.
Pedrosa led the Griffins with 17 points and six excellent digs, while Medino and Axel Book chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively. John Diwa added nine markers, while Bembem Bautista and Andreii Bakil contributed eight and seven markers, respectively.
Libero Howard Guerra anchored the floor defense with 22 excellent digs, while Joshua Cruz had 13 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
VNS looks to ride the momentum when it faces FEU-DN Steel on Friday at 10 a.m., still at the Paco Arena.
Alpha Insurance, which dropped to 2-3 and stayed at fifth place, was led by San Andres' 18 points, all from attacks, and nine digs. Himzon added 16 points on 14 attacks and two kill blocks in the loss.
The Protectors aim to bounce back against winless Sealions, also on Friday, at 3 p.m.