The race for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals reaches a fever pitch with three crucial matches set to take place on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
With only three semis berths remaining, Cignal, Criss Cross, La Salle-EcoOil, Navy and Savouge are pulling out all the stops as they aim for crucial victories in this third-to-last preliminary playdate organized by Sports Vision.
The spotlight will be on the HD Spikers, who are gunning for the No. 2 spot against the first semifinalist DN Steel FEU Ultras in the 6 p.m. main event. The match promises to either provide clarity or complicate the semis race in the season-ending tournament supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Riding high on a five-game winning streak, the defending Open Conference champions have bounced back from splitting their first two matches and now stand just one win away from advancing.
Rested and ready, they’ll face the Ultras with fresh legs after their second unit handled the VNS Griffins in a straight-sets victory last Friday.
“That’s the reason why meron kaming load management. Our next job is our game on Sunday na paghahandaan namin maigi. FEU isa pa lang din ‘yung talo so lagi namin ganon eh, focus kami sa susunod but hindi namin makakalimutan kung ano ‘yung pagkukulang namin sa past games,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor , emphasizing their meticulous preparation.
Against the Griffins, starters JM Ronquillo, Louie Ramirez and Lloyd Josafat were rested to prepare for the vital matchup with the Ultras.
The Ultras, on the other hand, are entering the game with momentum after sweeping EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers last Friday, securing the first semis slot. This win was a strong response to their first loss of the season, which came at the hands of the Criss Cross King Crunchers last week.
Meanwhile, the King Crunchers (5-1) are eager to solidify their own semis drive as they take on the struggling Green Oilers at 4 p.m. With three consecutive wins, including a statement victory against the Ultras, Criss Cross is riding a wave of confidence. “Malaking factor sa amin ‘yung panalo against FEU-DN Steel kasi top team sila tapos wala pa silang talo kaya talagang pag-iigihan pa namin coming sa mga remaining games namin,” said reigning Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia.
The Green Oilers, on the other hand, are looking to recover from back-to-back losses after starting the tournament with four straight wins. They’ll need to regain their form to stay alive in the heated race.
At 2 p.m., Savouge will face the eliminated D’Navigators-Iloilo side, seeking to snap its two-game skid and revive their semis chances.
Led by Sherwin Caritativo and Louis Gamban, the Spin Doctors are determined to remain in contention.
“Sa FEU, nilaban naman namin sadyang medyo kinapos lang sa five sets. Akala namin sa amin na yun. Against sa Navy, sa sobrang eager ng player na manalo, sobrang excited maglaro, ang nangyari nawala sa focus,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, and through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Games can also be streamed via the official Spikers’ Turf website.
