Spikers, Sealions dispute 2nd finals slot

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal vs Navy Cignal and Navy brace for an explosive showdown between teams backstopped by seasoned campaigners in a good-or-bust duel for the second finals berth in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference today at the Paco Arena.

The match is set at 5:30 p.m. with the HD Spikers hoping to ride the momentum of their three-set romp over the ousted VNS-One Alicia Griffins last Saturday and the Sealions out to rebound from a straight-set defeat to the Sta. Elena Nationals in their clash for the first finals seat last Saturday.

Navy, however, is coming into the crucial match with a big psychological edge, having toppled Cignal in four in their elims meeting last Sept. 13.

The win spiked a fiery closing run of four victories in the qualifiers with the Sealions repeating over the Griffins in the semis, only to bump into a resolute Sta. Elena side.

The HD Spikers found themselves in a do-or-die spot after failing to prick the Sta. Elena bubble but remained confident of hurdling and getting back at the Sealions.

While health issues continued to hound both teams, the Sealions hope to show up with the core of the squad that stunned the HD Spikers in the elims, including Jao Umandal, Chris Marcelino and Peter Quiel.