Expect not just one or two, but four intense power duels featuring pure volleyball action as eight teams knock each other out for the semifinal berths in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila today (Sunday).
The one-day quarterfinal phase pits elimination round pool topnotchers – Sta. Elena-National U, Cabuyao, Cignal and Chef on a Diet-FEU – against the second-ranked squads from their respective groups – Navy, Letran, La Salle and Perpetual – in a crossover format, promising exciting matchups and potential surprises.
The winners will advance to the round-robin semifinals with Japanese guest team Maruichi Hyogo spicing up the finals race where action shifts to the Filoil EcoOil Centre and Philsports Arena after the first day of semis.
The unbeaten HD Spikers hope to overcome the challenges of shifting between leagues in the past two weeks as they face the La Salle-EcoOil (4-1) Green Oilers, who are coming off a tough loss to the Cabstars-Cabuyao side.
But Cignal coach Dexter Clamor expressed confidence in his wards’ readiness, saying: "Natapos na namin yung elimination round, going to quarterfinals of course we will get some time na makapag-pahinga, makapag-recover, para kahit papano we’re ready 100 percent," said Clamor after the HD Spikers squeezed out a scary five-set win against the Davies Paint-Adamson Soaring Falcons last Sunday.
Cignal, noted for its balanced roster, is expected to rely on main stars Jau Umandal, JP Bugaoan, and Ysay Marasigan in the make-or-break quarters phase of the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa.
The Green Oilers, on the other hand, will bank on the duo of JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton with Vince Maglinao remaining a doubtful starter coming off a stint in the UAAP beach volleyball tournament.
The Tamaraws, who matched the HD Spikers 5-0 card in the elims, battle the Perpetual-Kinto Tyres Altas in the 11 a.m. with FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo remaining cautious despite the return of wing spiker Dryx Saavedra while stressing the need to prepare for the formidable Altas, led by Louie Ramirez.
"Meron kaming two hours para mag-ensayo at paghandaan sila bukas. Alam natin ang Perpetual talagang napakatibay na team niyan at isa pang beteranong coach yun kaya yung mga technique at tactic kailangan namin paghandaan kasi hindi kami magugulat kung marami silang baon kaya dapat pagtrabahuhan namin," said Orcullo after the Tamaraws disposed of the Savouge RTU Basilan spikers last Friday that clinched them the top Pool D spot.
In the other quarters pairing at 3 p.m., Cabuyao faces Letran with Jomar Soriano, Dom Panganiban, Gab Magsino and Joshua Ramilo leading the former’s bid against the Saints Spikers, who will be spearheaded by Vince Himzon, Derrick Bautista, Steven Sta. Maria and Ned Pacquing.
The spotlight will also be on the 5 p.m. matchup between the Nationals and the Sealions with the former relying on Joshua Retamar, Nico Almendras, Michaelo Buddin and Jade Disquitado and the latter counting on seasoned campaigners Greg Dolor, Christian Marcelino, Joeven Dela Vega and Edward Camposano.
Games can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.
