While Cignal and Criss Cross have dominated the last three Spikers’ Turf Finals, coaches of local teams believe the upcoming Invitational Conference could finally bring a shake-up when play begins Monday, Oct. 27, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Super Spikers coach Dexter Clamor and King Crunchers mentor Paul Jan Doloiras agree that the level of competition has become more balanced across the field.

Clamor said collegiate teams have improved significantly. “Lahat ngayon, even the university teams, tumaas ‘yung level. I guess lahat magkocompete nang maigi for this Invitational Conference,” he said.

Guest squads Kindai University of Japan and ProVolley Academy of Australia are expected to challenge the local contenders once they join in the semifinal round.

Doloiras said team depth and system will make the difference this year. “Pare-parehas lang na nagtitraining araw-araw. Pagandahan ng sistema. Doon magkakatalo. Pero kung titingnan mo ‘yung lineup ng tao, pare-parehas lang din lahat matitibay,” he noted.

Also joining the competition are bronze medalists Savouge, PGJC-Navy, Alpha Insurance, and VNS, along with V-League Collegiate Challenge champion FEU-DN Steel and bronze medalist UST-Gameville.

Savouge and Navy boost local challenge

Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon expects a tougher battle ahead, with teams training non-stop and retooling since the Open Conference earlier this year.

“Mahirap, masikip ngayon ‘yung conference na ito, pero I consider our team, Savouge, to be one of the top three kasi yun naman talaga ang goal. Mataas ang pangarap ng team ko ngayon,” said Calderon.

Protectors coach Mike Santos and Griffins deputy coach JP De Guzman also see an unpredictable fight. Santos said, “Nasa top three pa rin ang Cignal, Criss Cross, Savouge, pero sa rest ng maiiwan, hindi rin namin masasabi. Ang PGJC-Navy kumpleto sila ngayon, ang VNS nakapagrecruit din, kami nakapagrecruit din. Matira matibay na lang talaga.”

De Guzman added that their young talents have matured fast. “Knowing VNS, more of young talents, pero hasa na rin itong mga kids namin,” he said.

Young teams aim for semifinal breakthrough

UST-Gameville head coach Odjie Mamon said his youthful squad aims to reach the semifinals to test their progress against top-caliber opposition.

“Goal namin is makapasok kami sa apat na maglalaro ng semis. Pupukpukin ko maigi ‘yung team ko para ibigay nila lahat. Rare opportunity ‘to be in the semis and face the guest teams. Ilalaban ko itong mga bata,” said Mamon.

With teams strengthened, new recruits added, and preparation in full swing, the Sports Vision-organized Invitational is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet — one where Cignal and Criss Cross’s long reign could finally face a serious threat.