Criss Cross and UST-Gameville seek to ride the momentum of their early surge as they face tough tests on Friday when action in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference resumes at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The King Crunchers overcame a shaky second set to sink the PGJC-Navy Sealions in four sets during last Monday’s season-ending tournament opener. The Golden Spikers, meanwhile, proved they’re more than just “substitutes,” sweeping the Sealions in three last Wednesday.
But both Criss Cross and UST will be up against teams eager to bounce back and regain their rhythm. The King Crunchers will test the young VNS Griffins’ mettle in the 6:30 p.m. main game of another triple-header.
The Griffins dropped a four-set decision to powerhouse Cignal Super Spikers but not before scaring the defending champions with a hard-earned Set 3 victory in extended fashion.
The Golden Spikers, on the other hand, face a formidable challenge at 4 p.m. against the Savouge Spin Doctors, who are coming off a huge bounce-back win over recent V-League champions FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws after being stunned by the Alpha Insurance Protectors on opening day.
The triple-bill opens at 2 p.m. with the Tamaraws seeking redemption against the Sealions, who themselves are hoping to end their early slump.
Criss Cross, led by stars Marck Espejo, Jaron Requinton and three-time MVP Jude Garcia, aim to assert its dominance over VNS. The Griffins, meanwhile, will lean on Axel Book and RK Medino as they try to pull off an upset against the three-time runners-up in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
UST-Gameville, which stepped in as a replacement for La Salle, showcased its readiness to compete with the league’s top-tier squads after sweeping PGJC-Navy behind Alas Pilipinas libero Josh Ybañez.
Now back in his natural position as an outside spiker, Ybañez shone with 16 points and 16-of-22 excellent receptions.
“Mabuti walang opening-game jitters, pero we have lots of things to polish pa. Of course masaya ako kasi confidence boosting itong win sa Navy. We have a game this Friday against Savouge, at least going to that game nanalo kami so medyo mataas ang morale,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
The Spin Doctors, meanwhile, are eyeing back-to-back wins, banking on another strong showing from Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo and Mark Betco, among other offensive threats.
In the opening game, Greg Dolor and the Sealions hope to finally end their slump, while Dryx Saavedra and the Tamaraws aim to bounce back from their loss to Savouge.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Games will also be streamed via spikersturf.ph.
