FEU-DN Steel and the D'Navigators Iloilo collide in an early high-stakes battle as both squads seek to secure the solo lead in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
Their match unfolds at 6 p.m. with both teams eyeing their second straight win of the tournament.
Fresh off a 3-1 victory over the Chichi DHTSI Titans last Friday, the Ultras are eager to prove that their performance was no work of a chance. Head coach Eddieson Orcullo, who recently led the team to the V-League Collegiate Men’s Challenge championship, is keen to see his players maintain their fighting spirit.
“Laban lang, laban lang talaga. ‘Yung mga bata mahal nila ang volleyball eh, kaya sa D’Navigators laban lang,” said Orcullo, who will lean again on the talents of Mikko Espartero, Jelord Talisayan and Dryx Saavedra in their quest for another victory.
The D'Navigators, meanwhile, are in no mood to relent after their hard-fought five-set win, also against the Titans, in the league's opener last Wednesday. Despite the extra set required to secure the win, head coach Boyet Delmoro emphasized the need for a shift in mindset moving forward.
“Kailangan mag-huddle muna siguro kami. Kasi kung training ang paguusapan, in terms of training okay naman kami eh. Siguro ‘yung mindset nitong mga ‘to, ‘yung mindset preparation (ang need ayusin),” said Delmoro, aiming for more consistent play from key players like Barbie San Andres, Kyle Villamor, and Madz Gampong.
In the 4 p.m. opening match, Martelli Meats and VNS Griffins look to bounce back after opening-day defeats with the former, which resilience in a five-set battle against Savouge, to rely on the leadership of Jerome Cordez, Razzel Palisoc and Angelo Reyes.
Meanwhile, the Griffins hope to recover from a straight-set loss to Criss Cross King Crunchers and will turn to Charles Segui, Howard Guerra, and Kenneth Daynata to lead their charge.
The matches promise to deliver thrilling action as all four teams vie to make an early statement in the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision and backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
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 the official Spikers’ Turf website.
