Games today:
(Paco Arena)
3 p.m. — Imus vs Army
5:30 p.m. — Navy vs Vanguard
Imus-Ivy Tauson Photography seeks to firm up its bid for a semifinals seat when it tangles with Philippine Army today in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
The AJAA Spikers will try to extend their winning streak to three games with a victory over the skidding Troopers in the 3 p.m. match.
Meanwhile, Navy and Vanguard clash in the 5:30 p.m. main feature.
But focus will be on Imus as it looks to move within striking distance of unbeaten teams Cignal (5-0), Iloilo (4-0) and Cotabato (3-0).
The AJAA Spikers sport a 4-1 win-loss slate.
With the trio of Ridzuan Muhali, Kim Malabunga and Ronniel Rosales leading the way, Imus defeated Vanguard in a come-from-behind fashion, 23-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-20 last Friday.
AJAA Spikers head coach Sammy Acaylar reminds his wards not to be complacent against the Troopers, who are on a two-game slide.
“We respect all teams, most especially Army, because that team is composed of veteran players,” Acaylar said.
Army holds a 2-3 record tied with Navy at sixth to seventh spots.
The Troopers suffered a painful, 25-27, 25-23, 25-21, 24-26, 8-15, loss to a young Santa Rosa City side last Friday despite the 20-point effort of PJ Rojas and the combined 31 points of Kevin Liberato and Mark Enciso.
In the other pairing, the Sea Lions shoot to begin a winning streak against the Volley Hitters.
Navy rebounded from a two-game slide last Sunday with a 25-18, 26-24, 25-22, 25-21, triumph over Air Force.
Sea Lions head coach Cecile Cruzada puts her confidence on another inspired game by Greg Dolor, who had a 25-point explosion in the previous match, Christian Marcelino, Marvin Villanueva and setter Owen Suarez to score back-to-back wins.
Vanguard hopes to end an alarming four-game slump after a promising opening-day performance.
The Volley Hitters are down at ninth spot with a 1-4 card just above Air Force (1-5) and winless defending champion National University (0-4).
