UNBEATEN Cignal isn’t likely to slow down even when ranged against a struggling team like Vanguard with the HD Spikers expected to even go all-out not just to extend their win run to seven but zero in on one of the semifinal slots in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila Sunday.
Eight wins are needed to secure a ticket to the next round but with the way the HD Spikers are imposing their might—sweeping their first six games without dropping a set—picking two or three more wins won’t likely pose a huge problem for the multi-titled team.
While Cignal coach Dexter Clamor has hinted at using his entire roster for the fourth straight time for their 3 p.m. encounter with the Volley Hitters, he continues to express his confidence on his second squad.
“We gave our second stringers their needed exposure,” said Clamor, whose wards are coming off another lopsided win over the Army Troopers last Friday. “I commend my second stringers, they did their part.”
Save for libero Sandy Montero and Manuel Sumangid, Clamor drew at least two points from the rest and the HD Spikers look to put their balanced offensive sock against the Volley Hitters, who absorbed their fifth straight defeat at the hands of the Navy Sealions last Wednesday after an opening day win over the VNS Griffins.
Vince Abrot, Joven Camaganakan and Razzel Palisoc are expected to carry the scoring load again for the Volley Hitters, who, however, would need to draw the best from the rest to at least measure up with their talent-laden rivals.
Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography, on the other hand, seeks its fifth straight win as it tangles with VNS in the 5:30 p.m. main clash.
The AJAA Spikers (5-1) unveiled
Francis Saura, who debuted for the 5-1 AJAA Spikers with eight points coming off the bench, is expected to get a longer playing time although focus will be on the power-hitting pair of Hero Austria and Kim Malabunga.
The Griffins, meanwhile, try to rebound from a crushing loss to the HD Spikers the last time out and boost their card to 4-3 halfway through the single round elims among 11 elims.
Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, SMART Live Stream and spikersturf.ph.