Powerhouse Cignal expects a tougher challenge from Air Force after dismantling Santa Rosa and Imus in straight-set fashion but looks to match Iloilo and Cotabato’s 3-0 cards just the same as action in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference resumes today (Friday) at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The HD Spikers brim with confidence and motivation as they face the Airmen in the 5:30 p.m. contest following the 3 p.m. clash between Imus and Navy in a duel of two of the league’s top contenders.
While the IMUS AJAA Spikers saw their two-win start snap by the HD Spikers, the former remain upbeat of their chances against the Sealions, who in contrast are coming off a three-set romp over the hapless Santa Rosa side.
But focus will be on the main match with Marck Espejo tipped to lead the HD Spikers’ drive again against the Airmen after scoring 18 points and coming through with 11 excellent receptions against the AJAA Spikers last week.
Rodolfo Labrador, Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino, on the other hand, go all out to at least slow down the league’s two-time Finals MVP and fuel their own bid for a share of fourth with Army and Imus.
The Sealions, meanwhile, hope to cash in on their lopsided win over the City Lions although the AJAA Spikers are also eyeing no less than a big bounce-back to regain their winning ways.
Greg Dolor and Geoffrey Alicandor will lead Navy anew along with Christian Marcelino and Jemmy Entig and Owen Suarez while Imus will mostly rely on for HD Spiker Louie Ramirez, Hero Austria and Kim Malabunga.
Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, and SMART Live Stream.
