Cignal braces for a stiff challenge in pursuit of a fifth straight victory and hold of the solo lead as it mixes it up with a surging VNS side today (Sunday) in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila.
While the Griffins have won their last two games to fuel their semis drive with a 3-2 (win-loss) slate, the HD Spikers remain the prohibitive favorites given their form that netted them four victories they fashioned out in straight-set fashions.
But Cignal coach Dexter Clamor and his wards aren’t about to take any chances, vowing to dish out their best in their 5:30 p.m. match.
"We will prepare, again mahina o malakas ang kalaban, we will prepare kung paano sila tatalunin," said Clamor, whose HD Spikers nearly yielded a set against the Navy Sealions in their 26-24, 25-21, 25-17 win last Wednesday.
Marck Espejo delivered 19 points in his return to Cignal rotation after sitting out their game against Air Force due to load management with the seasoned campaigner expected to lead the HD Spikers again in an attempt to break off a tie with Iloilo following victories over Santa Rosa, Imus and Air Force.
But the Griffins remain upbeat of their chances to spring a surprise on a team built around Noy Pedrosa, Pemie Bagalay, Rocky Motol, Ron Medalla and Russel Fronda.
Meanwhile, Navy and Air Force, both on a two-game slide, tangle in the 3 p.m. opener with the former seeking its second win in five games and the latter going all-out to improve its 1-4 slate.
The Sealions may still miss the services of Jude Garcia, who suffered a right ankle injury against the Imus AJAA Spikers last Feb. 10, leaving the load to Greg Dolor and Christian Marcelino.
The Airmen, on the other hand, will rely on the duo of Ranran Abdilla and Rodolfo Labrador.
Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, SMART Live Stream and spikersturf.ph.
