Spikers’ Turf: VNS clinches last semis berth, fends off Army

VNS-One Alicia’s John Benedict San Andres in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–VNS-One Alicia clinched the last remaining semifinals berth in the Spikers’ Turf’ Open Conference after turning back Army, 25-20, 25-16, 26-28, 25-21, on Tuesday at Paco Arena.

The Griffins snapped their three-game winning streak at the most opportune time to join early entrants National U-Sta. Elena, Cignal and Navy in the round robin semifinals.  They finished with a 3-3 card in the elimination round.

Ben San Andres paced  VNS-One Alicia with 19 points including six service aces while Kim Malabunga and Kevin Montemayor chipped in 16 and 15 markers, respectively in the crucial victory.

Ish Polvorosa dished out 23 excellent sets in orchestrating the players for Griffins, who bounced back in the deciding set after squandering their fightback in the third set as the Troopers forced an extension.

Army finished at the bottom of the standings alongside Santa Rosa and Ateneo with identical 1-5 records.

Madz Gampon led the Troopers with 13 points while John Daniel Diwa added 11 in the loss.