LIPA CITY – John Benedict San Andres produced another solid performance as the VNS Manileño Spikers captured the bronze medal following a 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 sweep of Global Remit in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League Saturday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here.
The Manileño Spikers’ campaign had a couple of five-set heartbreaks – against finalists Go for Gold-Air Force and Team Dasmariñas – which could have turn things around.
But for San Andres, who came through with 15 points and nine digs, he simply moved on to help the Manileño Spikers reach the podium 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. “I think we were too eager (in our five-set losses) compared to today where we just enjoyed the game. It is a bonus for us to win. The most important thing is we produced what we trained and just enjoy inside the court,” said San Andres after the one-hour, 23-minute contest.
Kevin Montemayor added 12 points, while John Daniel Diwa had two blocks for a eight-point effort for the Manileño Spikers. Roniey Adviento had a team-best three blocks.
VNS coach Ralph Ocampo was surprised with the outcome.
“I didn’t expect that it will be 3-0 because they have some Philippine team sa member (Global Remit). I think my team played consistent on attack and defense and this is a beautiful result,” said Ocampo.
Alex Disquitado had 14 points, 13 receptions and five digs while Josh Villanueva had three blocks to finish with nine points for Global Remit, which placed fourth.
Playmaker Ish Polvorosa, who like Villanueva is a part of the national team under coach Dante Alinusunurin, tossed in 13 excellent sets to go with two blocks.