Iloilo seeks to stretch its win run to four and seize the solo lead as it battles a surging Army side even as National U and Santa Rosa go all out for a breakthrough in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference elims today (Sunday) at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The D’Navigators test the Troopers’ mettle in the 12:30 p.m. opener of a heavy three-game bill with the defending NU Builders hoping to finally nail the elusive win after three unsuccessful tries against the VNS Griffins at 3 p.m.
The City Lions, also winless in four starts, face the Vanguard Volley Hitters in the 5:30 p.m. main game.
Iloilo, with national pool member Jade Disquitado on the firing end and the likes Jerome Cordez, Naz Gwaza and JM Apolinario providing solid support, trounced VNS, NU and Air Force to tie powerhouse Cignal and and fancied AMC-Cotabato at 3-0.
But the Troopers are also setting out for a big follow-up to their four-set triumph over the Volley Hitters that hiked their record to 2-1. Tipped to lead Army are seasoned campaigners PJ Rojas, Mark Enciso and Benjaylo Labide as the Troopers try to catch the idle Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography AJAA Spikers at 3-1.
National U, meanwhile, expects to draw big games from the comebacking duo of Joseph Bello and Bryan Jaleco, who recently joined the NU squad for a week-long training camp in Taiwan for their UAAP wars buildup, against a VNS side backstopped by veterans Pemie Bagalay and Ron Medalla, along with Noy Pedrosa and Jake Buslig.
Mac Bandola, who exploded for 31 points in their five-set loss to the Airmen, are also in the fold, along with middle blockers Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales, who are also members of the national pool.
Santa Rosa, on the other hand, are hard-pressed to come up with a victory with much of the load resting on Yoyong Mendoza, Kevin Montemayor and skipper Harvey Quezada’s shoulders as they tangle with the Volley Hitters, who are also coming off back-to-back losses to Troopers and the Griffins. ?
Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, and SMART Live Stream.
