UST-Gameville and Alpha Insurance seek to sustain their momentum as they clash today in what promises to be an explosive encounter in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Both squads enter the 4 p.m. duel well-rested after a four-day break and eager to strengthen their bids for a semifinal slot in the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The Golden Spikers are coming off a four-set win over the VNS Griffins, while the Protectors outlasted the FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws in a grueling five-setter last Sunday — victories that served as strong rebounds from earlier setbacks.
Currently tied at third with 2-1 records, the two teams are looking to break away from the pack and move closer to the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers (4-0) and second-running Cignal Super Spikers (3-1) as the single round-robin eliminations among eight teams reach a crucial stage. The top four squads will advance to the semifinals, where two foreign guest teams will join the fray.
“Knowing that UST has a strong program with Josh Ybañez who can carry the team, we need to train hard and find a way to stop them,” said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos, acknowledging the challenge of containing the explosive UST ace.
Meanwhile, Cignal looks to solidify its grip on second place when it battles the unpredictable FEU-DN Steel side (1-2) at 6 p.m. in the main game of the triple-header backed by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things and Arena Plus.
Head coach Dexter Clamor has raised the stakes, reminding his players that all their remaining matches are now “must-win.”
The Super Spikers rebounded from a four-set loss to rivals King Crunchers by sweeping the PGJC Navy Sealions, with new recruit Jay Rack Dela Noche making an instant impact with 10 points. Veterans Louie Ramirez and Jared Schnake have also delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament.
The Tamaraws, meanwhile, hope to rely on Dryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza and Mikko Espartero to spring an upset against the defending champions.
“We will prepare because FEU is a university team, so I hope we get a good rest so we’ll be ready. It’s a must-win game for us. We have to win our three remaining games,” Clamor said.
Kicking off the day’s action at 2 p.m. is a matchup between Savouge and VNS, both seeking redemption after recent losses.
The Spin Doctors, who fell to the King Crunchers in straight sets last Wednesday, are favored to bounce back against the Griffins, who remain winless in three outings. Still, the young but promising VNS squad remains confident of finally breaking through and notching that elusive victory.