Games today:
(Paco Arena)
3: p.m. — Air Force vs VNS
5:30 p.m. — Navy vs Cignal
Cignal sets its sight on a share of the lead when it crosses paths with Philippine Navy in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
The star-studded HD Spikers stake their unbeaten slate in the 5:30 p.m. battle to move up and join idle Iloilo on top of the standings.
Meanwhile, Air Force and VNS clash at 3 p.m. in the curtain-raiser.
Flaunting a seasoned crew, Cignal bullied its way to a 3-0 win-loss record tied with AMC-Cotabato in a two-way logjam at the second spot behind the D’Navigators (4-0).
Despite sitting out Marck Espejo, the HD Spikers easily dismantled Philippine Air Force, 25-22, 25-26, 27-25, last Friday with JP Bugaoan and Ysay Marasigan taking care of the scoring chores after dropping 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor clarifies that he meant no disrespect to other teams with his decision to limit the playing time of his main gunners.
“We are now in load management when it comes to our players, especially with a long conference and more games ahead. Right now, in our program, we’re just heading into the last stage of our strength (conditioning). That’s the reason why we’re using different rotations,” he explained.
On the other hand, the Sealions hope to get back on the winning track after suffering a sorry 20-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-21, 12-15, defeat at the hands of Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography last Friday.
Navy is at the seventh spot with a 1-2 slate.
Jude Garcia and Greg Dolor, who scored 21 and 20 markers, respectively, in a losing effort must get enough support from other Sealions to hurdle Cignal.
VNS holds a 2-2 card tied with Philippine Army while Air Force only has one win after four outings.
The Griffins are fresh from a 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 20-25, 17-15, escape over winless defending champion National University last Sunday.
