Games today:
(Paco Arena)
12:30 — Sta. Rosa vs VNS
3 p.m. — Imus vs NU
5:30 p.m. — Vanguard vs Cotabato

AMC-Cotabato and Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography take on separate foes in the hopes of boosting their chances of booking a spot in the semifinals of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference today at the Paco Arena.

Sitting at second spot with a 6-1 win-loss record behind semis-bound and still perfect Cignal (9-0), the Cotabato Spikers need to get past skidding Vanguard in their 5:30 p.m. tussle to inch closer to a berth in the next round.

The AJAA Spikers, on the other hand, battle dethroned champion National University at 3 p.m. following the curtain-raiser at 12:30 p.m. between Santa Rosa City and VNS, which still has a fighting chance for a semis berth.

Cotabato is tipped to get its way against Vanguard after regaining its confidence with a 25-22, 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, victory over Navy last Friday behind Jau Umandal’s 27 points and 15 excellent receptions.

“My only concern right now is our team’s jelling, cohesion and mastery of the system,” Cotabato Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said following his club’s bounce back win from a stinging straight sets setback at the hands of the HD Spikers last week.

The Volley Hitters are on a mission to end a seven-game losing streak after a promising start. Vanguard is at the bottom of the standings with a 1-7 card.

Meanwhile, Imus sports a 6-3 slate and is in a must-win situation to avoid complications of a tiebreaker in case of a tie at 7-3.

The AJAA Spikers are fresh from a five-set victory over Iloilo last Wednesday.

The Bulldogs hold a 1-6 slate.

Both Imus and Cotabato would complete the round robin semis cast outright if VNS loses to Santa Rosa City.

With a 4-3 record, the Griffins need to win all their remaining games convincingly and pray that anyone from Cotabato Spikers, D’Navigators (6-2) and AJAA Spikers won’t reach eight wins for a tie at 7-3.

In this scenario, the team with higher match points or set ratio will advance in the next round.

The Lions carry a 4-5 mark and are hoping to end their campaign on a high note.