Games today:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
3:30 p.m. — Saint and Lattes-Letran vs Maruichi Hyogo
5:30 p.m. — Cignal vs Sta. Elena-NU
Cignal aims to complete a flawless season when it collides with Sta. Elena-NU in the winner-take-all Spikers’ Turf Invitational championship today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The thrilling clash between the two storied clubs is set at 5:30 p.m. following the one-game battle for third showdown between Saint and Lattes-Letran and Japanese guest team Maruichi Hyogo.
Parading a star-studded lineup led by Wendel Miguel, Jau Umandal, JP Bugaoan, Peter Torres and Lloyd Josafat, Cignal swept its way to the final of the season-ending conference.
The HD Spikers are on a nine-game winning streak including a 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 demolition of the Nationals in the semifinals last 5 December.
However, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor remains wary of Sta. Elena-NU.
“Even though we beat them in the semifinals, this time, we have to be more prepared. We can’t be complacent. We have to study them well, know their tendencies and prepare a good strategy against them,” Clamor said.
The HD Spikers are on the cusp of a historic perfect season after ruling the Open Conference unbeaten in 15 games.
But the Nationals are out to spoil Cignal’s parade.
Top setter Joshua Retamar, Nico Almendras, Jade Disquitado, Leo Ordiales and middle blocker Obed Mukaba will anchor NU’s bid to win its second title since claiming the 2022 Open Conference crown.
“We have to focus on what we’re doing. Of course, we want to be champions once again in the Spikers’ Turf. We have to work for it and prepare well,” Nationals head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Sta. Elena-NU, however, could still miss the services of Buds Buddin, who is nursing a right ankle injury.
