Spikers' Turf: AJAA Spikers eye 3rd straight win, test Troopers

Games Wednesday

3 p.m. – Imus vs Army
5:30 p.m. – Navy vs Vanguard

MANILA, Philippines – Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography tries to firm up its hold of the third spot as it collides with an Army side out to bolster its own semis bid even Navy faces lowly Vanguard in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena Wednesday. 

The AJAA Spikers, who won their last two games to improve to 4-1 behind the unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers (5-0) and the Iloilo D’Navigators (4-0), tangle with the Troopers (2-3) at 3 p.m. while the Sealions, who also tote a 2-3 mark, are fancied in their 5:30 p.m. encounter with the Volley Hitters, who have dropped the last four games after surviving the National University Builders last January 25.

Imus-ITP, however, will continue to miss top gunner Louie Ramirez, who is honing for Perpetual Help’s campaign in the coming NCAA, and will be banking on Ridz Muhali in an attempt to sustain its run.

The Sammy Acaylar-mentored team from Cavite though isn’t taking Army for granted, expecting PJ Rojas, Benjaylo Labide and the rest of the Troopers to step up and steer the team to joint fifth with idle VNS (3-3).

"We respect all the teams, most especially Army kasi mga beteranong players na yan," said Acaylar.

Coming off a gut-wrenching five-set setback to the Santa Rosa City Lions, the Troopers expect to bounce back and keep their semifinal bid alive in the 11-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

The Sealions, meanwhile, hope to build on its win over the Air Force side that snapped a two-game slide, seeking to pounce on the skidding Volley Hitters.

The Sealions, however, will also miss the services of Jude Garcia although Marvin Villanueva has been churning out big games for the squad the last few games.

"Si Jude konti na lang yung maga ng paa niya and nag-e-exercise (strengthening) na siya. Hopefully, papahilumin lang muna namin, hindi namin pipilitin," said Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada.