Cagayan-Infinity showdown opens Spikers’ Turf tilt

Just like its counterpart in the women’s division, Cagayan Valley is looking to bring the winning tradition in men’s volleyball when the Spikers’ Turf kicks off Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Already billed as a title favorite with their formidable roster, the Rising Suns clash with Champion Infinity in the lone game at 9 a.m.

Cagayan, whose women’s team won the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference two years ago, has brought in the core of UAAP champion Ateneo led by Marck Espejo, who ran away with the MVP plum in the UAAP season. Rex Intal, Rudy Gatdula and Eden Canlas are also in the squad.

Champion Infinity has inherited the former Systema squad, powered by Chris Macasaet, Chris Antonio, Syl Honrade and actor Richard Gomez.

Eight teams are actually seeing action in the tournament with organizers hoping to ride on the success of the Shakey’s V-League men’s tournament last year.

PLDT Home Ultera tangles with the Cavite Patriots Fourbees while Philippine Army squares off with Instituto Estetico Manila on Tuesday.

Philippine Air Force and Cignal, which collide on Thursday before the Cagayan-Cavite duel, complete the tournament cast.

Instituto Estetico Manila, which ruled the inaugural V-League tournament last year, returns with Jason Canlas, Karl Ian dela Calzada and Carlo Almario at the helm.

The format calls for a single round with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.