Men's volleyball is in the spotlight as the Spikers' Turf semifinals get underway right inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum this Friday.
Men’s volleyball finally gets its long overdue moment under the brightest lights and on its biggest stage as the Spikers’ Turf unveils a historic first-ever triple-header on Friday at the iconic Araneta Coliseum, signaling the start of the semifinal round of the Invitational Conference.
Men’s volleyball steps front and center with a brand of action uniquely its own – where power reigns, blocks are weapons and long rallies are rare luxuries. The semis brings together the league’s fiercest rivalries and rising contenders, while welcoming two foreign squads eager to disrupt expectations and reshape the championship picture.
And what better way to launch what promises to be a blockbuster stretch of the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision than with a showdown between the league’s perennial giants – and bitter rivals – Criss Cross vs Cignal in a 5 p.m. clash primed to go down to the last kill.
The King Crunchers triumphed in four sets in their elimination-round encounter, but the multi-titled Super Spikers refuse to hang on that loss. Tonight, they come in hungry, confident and more than capable of exacting payback – setting the stage for another high-wire, high-flying, high-pressure battle befitting the rivalry that has defined recent finals.
Both squads, however, must navigate the challenge of competing without their star-loaded casts – several of whom are on Alas Pilipinas duty for next month’s SEA Games. Criss Cross will miss Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Lucca Mamone and Eco Adajar, while Cignal will be without Owa Retamar, Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat and Louie Ramirez.
Still, depth is the hallmark of these powerhouse teams. Their remaining lineups are brimming with veterans and rising stars eager to seize the moment and prove they can carry the mantle in a match expected to deliver drama, grit and momentum-shifting swings.
Cignal coach Dexter Clamor stressed that execution and discipline will decide this rivalry chapter.
“Kung magiging consistent lang kami sa mga gagawin namin at masunod lang ang game plan, may chance kaming manalo,” said Clamor, who will rely heavily on Wendel Miguel, JP Bugaoan and Steven Rotter to anchor the Super Spikers’ assault.
For the King Crunchers, three-time MVP Jude Garcia said the team embraces its “happy-happy” mantra under head coach Tai Bundit – but behind the smiles is a laser-focused drive to repeat over Cignal, their tormentors in the last three Finals.
“Siguro consistency lang ng mga magagandang ginagawa namin every game… doon lang kami mag-base. Sabi nga ni coach Tai, happy-happy lang,” said Garcia, who teams up with rookie sensation Noel Kampton and steady setter Adrian Villados to lead the Criss Cross attack.
Playing at the Big Dome adds another layer of meaning. The bright lights, the cavernous crowd, the historic energy – everything pushes the adrenaline up a notch.
“Nagulat ako, pero sobrang saya. Nakikita natin na nag-grow talaga ang men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas,” said Miguel.
Garcia echoed the call for unified support.
“Sana suportahan niyo rin po kaming mga men’s volleyball players dito sa Spikers’ Turf para sabay-sabay nating iaangat ang men’s volleyball,” said Garcia.
The day’s excitement begins earlier with a 3 p.m. showdown featuring Kindai University of Japan and ProValley Academy of Australia – two guest teams whose contrasting strengths inject intrigue and unpredictability into the semis.
The Japanese side, known for its sharp systems, impeccable discipline and quick attacking tempo, is expected to showcase fluid execution and adaptability. On the other hand, the Australians promise sheer power, imposing athleticism and thunderous net presence.
Their clash is more than just a curtain-raiser—it is a test of styles and a preview of which foreign squad might emerge as the ultimate spoiler to the projected Criss Cross–Cignal championship collision course.
The triple-header opens with a compelling 1 p.m. encounter between UST-Gameville and Savouge Athletics, a duel that could easily upstage the higher-profile matches if sparks fly the way they did in the prelims.
UST comes in without top guns Josh Ybañez, Al-Bukharie Sali, JJ Macam and head coach Odjie Mamon – yet the Golden Spikers remain far from diminished. Instead, they lean on emerging contributors who have grown into their roles and are eager to deliver a statement performance on the grand stage.
But Savouge, which toppled UST in four sets in the prelims, returns with its complete lineup, brimming with confidence and swagger. The Spin Doctors, known for their creativity, speed and refreshing brand of volleyball, look to ignite the day with a fast-paced, high-energy battle that could set the tone for the entire semis slate.
The games are available via streaming on Pilipinas Live and can be seen on One Sports+.