ILOILO resumes its Spikers’ Turf campaign against Navy Wednesday seeking a fifth straight triumph in another explosive triple-bill that also pits Army against Air Force and Cotabato versus National University (NU) in the Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The D’Navigators haven’t seen action since beating the Army Troopers in four sets last February 12 after the former’s leading players, along with those from the Cotabato and NU sides, joined the national training team pool’s camp in Taiwan, prompting the organizing Sports Vision to adjust their schedules.
But they’re back to spearhead Iloilo’s four-game win run, this time against the Sealions, who is also coming off a 3-1 romp over the Vanguard Volley Hitters last week to even their card at 3-3.
Game time is 5:30 p.m.
The Troopers and the Airmen, down in the 11-team field with 2-5 and 1-6 records, respectively, tangle in the 12:30 p.m., each going all-out to keep their slim semis hopes alive while the NU Builders and the Cotabato Spikers clash at 3 p.m.
Cotabato is also unbeaten in three starts and like, Iloilo, it expects a tough challenge from NU, the defending champion but which still in pursuit of a first win in five games.
While Navy coach Cecil Cruzada is wary of the D’Navigators, she remains upbeat of her wards’ chances.
“Iloilo is a strong team but we’ve prepared for them,” said Cruzada, who, however, will have to make do with a roster without prized recruit Jude Garcia, who is still recovering from a right ankle injury.
But the seasoned Greg Dolor and Christian Marcelino are ready and raring to go against the D’Navigators, who will be led anew by the returning Jade Disquitado.
Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, SMART Live Stream and spikersturf.ph.