Cignal looks to raise its level following a tense opening-day win over VNS as it faces Alpha Insurance in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday, October 29.

The two opening-day winners collide at 6 p.m., providing an early showdown in the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.

Alpha Insurance, which managed only two wins in eight outings during its Open Conference debut, made a statement by stunning back-to-back bronze medalists Savouge Spin Doctors in four sets last Monday. Cignal, meanwhile, needed an extra set and several tense moments to subdue the youth-laden VNS side.

Head coach Dexter Clamor stressed the need for discipline and cohesion against a now-resurgent Alpha Insurance.

“Pag-aaralan namin sila nang maigi, hindi puwedeng hindi. Kasi sabi ko nga during presscon, hindi natin alam kung sino ang best three teams pare-parehas kami ng sagot ng mga coaches so ‘yun, hindi natin ineexpect na tatalunin ng Alpha ang Savouge kasi ang Savouge top three last conference,” said Clamor.

Alpha Insurance adds depth and experience

Clamor noted that under head coach Mike Santos, Alpha Insurance has added key players, making the team more formidable.

“Paghahandaan namin maigi ‘yung Alpha kasi maraming players ang nadagdag din sa Alpha so yun kailangan bawat rotation nila alam namin kung ano yung gagawin nila. Paghahandaan namin nang maigi bukas,” he added.

The Protectors will again rely on recruits Barbie San Andres, JJ Javelona, and Vince Himzon. Cignal, on the other hand, will depend on Wendel Miguel, JM Ronquillo, and Martin Bugaoan as they aim to build momentum in their title defense.

“Trust the process. Nag-start kami last conference, kulang na kulang kami sa preparation. Coming into this conference, maganda yung preparation, and at the same time, may mga recruit kami na mga ace players talaga, so yung paghahanda talagang tinutukan namin,” said Santos.

Collegiate powerhouses make their debuts

Far Eastern University-DN Steel and University of Santo Tomas-Gameville make their Spikers’ Turf debuts as the league returns to Paco Arena after more than a year.

FEU-DN Steel opens the triple-header against Savouge at 2 p.m., led by Dryx Saavedra, Amet Bituin, and Lirick Mendoza. The Spin Doctors will counter with Mark Calado, Sherwin Caritativo, and Norwel Sanama.

At 4 p.m., UST-Gameville faces PGJC-Navy Sealions. The Golden Spikers will rely on Josh Ybañez and JJ Macam, while Navy will lean on Greg Dolor and Jhon Robert Raquiza as they aim to bounce back from their four-set loss to Criss Cross last Monday.