As DN Steel-Far Eastern U aims to secure the solo lead against a struggling VNS side, the much-anticipated rematch between Cignal and Criss Cross highlights the fourth week of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Set for 6 p.m. on Sunday, the showdown is expected to captivate fans and deliver the high-intensity competition the league’s premier teams are known for.
In their last encounter in May, the HD Spikers swept the King Crunchers to reclaim the Open Conference crown, but Criss Cross has rebounded strongly, registering straight-set wins over the VNS Griffins and D’Navigators Iloilo, signaling their determination to challenge for the championship once more.
The HD Spikers, meanwhile, have faced early challenges in their campaign, going 2-1 in their first three matches. An unexpected five-set loss to the upstart Savouge Spin Doctors showcased some vulnerability in Cignal’s game, with head coach Dexter Clamor emphasizing the need to guard against complacency despite a recent sweep of the Martelli Meats Master Butchers.
“We are beatable. If we become complacent, every team here will want to take us down. We've been here for 11 years and have won many championships,” said Clamor in Filipino.
Mark Calado, Jau Umandal and JM Ronquillo are set to lead the charge for Cignal as they face the formidable Criss Cross trio of Jude Garcia, Nico Almendras and Gian Glorioso.
Glorioso, coming off a dominant eight-block, 14-point performance against D’Navigators, stressed the importance of collective effort as the King Crunchers aim for a third straight victory.
“We have areas to improve, but every win is really a collective effort. Our preparedness starts in training, and everyone contributes, whether they’re playing or not,” said Glorioso.
In the 4 p.m. match, DN Steel-FEU goes all-out for a fourth straight victory – and the solo lead – as they face the VNS Griffins. The Ultras, currently tied with the Spin Doctors in the lead, will rely on Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero to maintain momentum, while Roderick Medino and CJ Segui of the Griffins look to elevate their 1-2 record.
In the opening match at 2 p.m., La Salle-EcoOil sets out for its second consecutive win as it takes on Chichi DHTSI, which is still searching for its first victory of the season.
The Green Oilers will once again count on Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao, while the Titans’ Jonathan Sorio and Matt Miguel hope to steer their squad to a breakthrough win after a rough 0-4 start.
The triple-header promises an explosive day of volleyball in the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision, with support from 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.
