FILE–Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Open Conference champion Cignal and runner-up Criss Cross headline the 10 squads vying for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference starting on October 16 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The country’s top-tier men’s volleyball league will kick off Wednesday next week with Cignal and Criss Cross facing the league mainstays D’Navigators Iloilo, PGJC Navy Sealions, Savouge Aesthetics Spin Doctors, VNS Griffins, Chichi DHTSI Titans formerly Richmarc Sports 3B Elite, and Martelli Meats Masters Butcher formerly Maverick Hard Hitters.
Far Eastern University-DN Steel Ultras, which ruled the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, and runner-up La Salle-EcoOil Green Oilers also qualified to take on the top club teams in the country after reaching the finals of the preseason league.
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“With 10 teams competing this season, including two collegiate squads, fans can expect an exciting tournament. This is a huge opportunity for our athletes to shine, and it will significantly contribute to the continued growth of men’s volleyball in the country,” said Spikers’ Turf president Alyssa Valdez.
The Invitational Conference scheduled every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, — with regular match days slated at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and select triple header offerings set at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Games will be held at Ynares Sports Arena, Philsports Arena, and Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“It’s a great development for the sport that we’re getting prime-time slots. This will boost visibility, helping men’s volleyball gain the recognition and audience it deserves,” said Spikers’ Turf tournament director Mozzy Ravena.
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Cignal will be parading prized recruits Owa Retamar, a two-time UAAP Finals MVP and Best Setter, as well as Louie Ramirez, Martin Bugaoan, JM Ronquillo, and Steve Rotter to fill in the big shoes left by injured Bryan Bagunas with mainstays Jau Umandal, Lloyd Josafat, Mark Calado, and JP Bugaoan.
Criss Cross will lean on Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia, Rex Intal, Ish Polvorosa, Chu Njigha, Ysay Marasigan, Manuel Sumanguid, Francis Saura, and Adrian Villados as the King Crunchers will miss Marck Espejo, who is in Japan for the V.League season.