LIPA City—The VNS Manileño Spikers fashioned out a 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 win over the Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao to bag the remaining semifinals berth in Pool A of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League for men on Wednesday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
VNS, which dropped a five-setter to Go for Gold-Air Force in last Monday’s opener, ended up with an even 1-1 won-lost card while sending Basilan to the classification round after going winless in pool play.
Coach Ralph Ocampo was satisfied the way the Manileño Spikers bounced back from their loss to the Aguilas where they pushed their fancied foes to the distance.
“I told them, it’s a do-or-die game. Most of my players are young, 20 to 21 years old, so the pressure is there especially against the veterans,” Ocampo said. “I told them, we need to stick to our system in our defense and attack. The results will follow if we do things right.”
VNS will face Pool B winner Team Dasmariñas for a spot in the championship match on Friday afternoon.
The Manileño Spikers drew a solid all-around game from John Benedict San Andres, the 21-year old-Mapua standout, who came through with 13 points, 13 receptions and six digs.
Rwenzmel Taguibolos also delivered three of the Manileño Spikers’ six blocks to finish with 10 points
Setter Geuel Asia nailed a service ace to put VNS at match-point, 24-22.
Razzel Palisoc, who had 12 points and six digs, kept the Steel Spikers alive, but a service error from their side ended their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament that has Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors and BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors as silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.
The games are live streamed over the PNVF official website volleyballphilippines.com, iWantTFC for local and international audiences, Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports Facebook pages and YouTube channels and Gigaplay.