Men’s volleyball takes center stage once again as the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference serves off on Monday, promising high-octane action and intense rallies in a three-game opening day at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Defending champion Cignal, now rebranded as the Super Spikers, begins its title-retention campaign against a young but talented VNS squad at 4 p.m., following the 2 p.m. opener between Savouge and Alpha Insurance.
Capping the opening triple-header, Criss Cross battles PGJC-Navy at 6 p.m.
Armed with a powerhouse roster led by Jau Umandal, Wendel Miguel, Louie Ramirez and JP Bugaoan, Cignal is determined to live up to its new moniker while chasing a fourth straight Spikers’ Turf crown.
New additions Jay Rack Dela Noche, Vince Maglinao and Filipino-American Jared Schnake are also expected to bolster the team’s depth and firepower.
Despite the depth of his lineup, head coach Dexter Clamor remains cautiously optimistic about their title chances.
“Lahat ngayon, even the university teams, tumaas ‘yung level. I guess lahat magkocompete nang maigi for this Invitational Conference—even the guest teams. Hindi ko masabi kung sino talaga,” said Clamor, whose squad has ruled the past three editions of the league organized by Sports Vision.
VNS, bannered by Axel Van Book, Bembem Bautista and JD Diwa, is expected to challenge Cignal’s dominance and make an early statement.
In the opening duel, Savouge – last conference’s bronze medalists – will continue to rely on Shawie Caritativo, Hero Austria and Mark Calado. Their rivals, Alpha Insurance Protectors, on its sophomore campaign in the country’s pioneering men’s volleyball league, will be led by JJ Javelona, Barbie San Andres and Edward Camposano.
The nightcap features a much-anticipated clash between Criss Cross King Cross and PGJC-Navy, both eager to reclaim their place among the league’s elite.
Marck Espejo teams up once again with three-time MVP Jude Garcia for Criss Cross, looking to start strong and regain its championship form.
On the opposite side, the Sealions enter the tournament at full strength after struggling with injuries and absences in the previous Open Conference. Greg Dolor and Joeven dela Vega are expected to lead Navy’s charge back to the podium.
