Expect an unpredictable and more competitive men’s volleyball action when the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference returns on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Participation grew from seven teams last year to 11 squads this time, with National University out to defend its crown.
Other squads pit AMC Volleyball, Cignal HD Spikers, City of Imus, City of Sta. Rosa, D’ Navigators Iloilo, PGJC-Navy, Air Force, Army Vanguard Volleyball team and VNS Volleyball Club.
“It’s a blessing that we’re getting more teams this year, a good sign that there really is a big interest in men’s volleyball. We hope to bring this interest across the country,” said Sports Vision President Ricky Palou in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Now on its sixth season, Spikers’ Turf Tournament Director Mozzy Ravena said sustaining this league is one way of providing a platform for male volleyball players to share their talents and get discovered.
“We have players na biglang pinag-aagawan ng collegiate schools kasi nakita silang maglaro dito. So, we’re grateful that we’re able to do that,” Ravena said.
Spikers’ Turf President Alyssa Valdez added the increase in team participation just echoed this year’s tournament hashtag: Where power meets passion.
“Gusto naming ipakita na yung passion ng mga teams na ito, yung excitement and fun ng men’s volleyball,” Valdez said.
City of Imus and City of Sta. Rosa will raise the curtain in the 4 p.m. opening game, followed by military teams Army and Navy at 6 p.m.
Matches will be shown live on OneSports and OneSports+ and streamed on social media platforms.