Defending champion Cignal and Philippine Air Force are both geared up to build on their opening day victories as they face Richmarc Sports and PGJC-Navy, respectively, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
The HD Spikers, led by reigning MVP Jau Umandal, JP Bugaoan, and Wendel Miguel, are determined to impose their power against the RichMarc Sports 3B Elite Spikers anchored by the duo of Kurl Rosete and Gideon Guadalupe.
Gametime is at 6 p.m.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor trusts Umandal’s leadership and work ethic to lead the team to its second straight victory in the league organized by Sports Vision.
Umandal delivered a game-high 17-point performance in the HD Spikers’ 25-17, 25-16, 27-25 triumph over Navy Sealions in the league’s inaugurals last Wednesday.
“Actually, (he needs) to lead the team. What’s good about him is that he has a good attitude, too. He’s a hard-worker,” said Clamor.
The HD Spikers are looking to retain the Open Conference championship after losing several key players during the off-season, including multi-titled Marck Espejo.
Meanwhile, Bryan Jaleco is expected to spearhead Air Force against the Joeven Dela Vega-led Sealions at 4 p.m.
Jaleco poured in 21 points, including 18 on attacks, in the team’s 22-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-23 debut win over RichMarc Sports 3B.
After their victory, Air Force aims to stick to its system and make necessary adjustments for future matches under coach Jeffrey Malaban’s guidance.
“I-diretso lang namin yung sistema na ginagawa naming. Kung ano yung magiging adjustments namin, siguro sa later part na. Kasi bago parang bago pa lang kami,” said Malabanan.
