Iloilo stakes clean slate in Spikers’ Turf

MANILA, Philippines — Iloilo puts its unbeaten run on the line when it meets resurgent VNS while National U and Air Force clash in a duel between struggling teams in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila today.

The D’Navigators swept their way to an early share of the lead with victories over the NU Archipelago Builders and the Air Force Airmen but are bracing for a tougher challenge against the Griffins in their 3 p.m. encounter. VNS bounced back from its shutout loss to Cotabato with a straight-set romp over Vanguard last Wednesday.

Joining Iloilo on top are AMC-Cotabato and fancied Cignal.

To extend its run, Iloilo hopes to draw big games from setter JM Apolinario and hitters Jerome Cordez, Jade Disquitado, Neil de Pedro, Naz Gwaza and Rash Nursiddik.

VNS, meanwhile, will rely on veterans Pemmy Bagalay and Ron Medalla as the Griffins seek to force a tie for third with Imus.

NU, on the other hand, and Air Force try to check their skid at each other’s expense as they collide at 5:30 p.m.

But the Volley Builders, who ruled the last Spikers’ Turf with an entirely different squad, will be hard-pressed to snap their faulty start. Playmaker Joseph Bello and outside spiker Bryan Jaleco won’t be around as they step up their buildup for the NU squad vying in the coming UAAP wars.

Expected to take the cudgels for the embattled defending champions are Mac Bandola, Ahmad Abdul, Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales.

Ranran Abdilla, meanwhile, will spearhead the Airmen’s drive but hopes to get solid support from Ralph Calasin, Rodolfo Labrador, Edwin Tolentino and Mike Abria.

Games are telecast live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, and SMART Live Stream.