Criss Cross and UST-Gameville aim to ride their early momentum as they brace for tougher assignments on Friday, October 31, when the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference resumes at Paco Arena in Manila.

Criss Cross shook off a slow stretch to beat PGJC-Navy in four sets in its opener. UST-Gameville followed up with an impressive sweep of the Sealions to begin its campaign on a high note.

But both squads will need to dig deeper with opponents eager to rebound and regain their footing in the tournament.

Criss Cross battles gritty VNS

The King Crunchers test the young VNS Griffins in the 6:30 p.m. main game, looking to assert dominance early in the conference.

VNS is coming off a four-set defeat to reigning champion Cignal but showed composure by stealing a marathon third set. Criss Cross will rely on stars Marck Espejo, Jaron Requinton, and three-time MVP Jude Garcia, while the Griffins lean on Axel Book and RK Medina to chase an upset.

Earlier at 2 p.m., FEU-DN Steel tries to recover after a loss to Savouge as it faces a PGJC-Navy squad seeking to halt its slump.

UST-Gameville takes on confident Savouge

At 4 p.m., UST-Gameville faces a statement challenge against Savouge, fresh off a bounce-back win over FEU-DN Steel after dropping its opener to Alpha Insurance.

UST-Gameville, a late replacement for La Salle, made a strong league debut behind Alas Pilipinas libero Josh Ybañez, who excelled with 16 points and 16-of-22 excellent receptions in his natural outside spiker role.

“Mabuti walang opening-game jitters, pero we have lots of things to polish pa,” UST coach Odjie Mamon said. “Of course masaya ako kasi confidence boosting itong win sa Navy. We have a game this Friday against Savouge, at least going to that game nanalo kami so medyo mataas ang morale.”

Savouge banks on the firepower of Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and Mark Betco as it eyes back-to-back wins.

In the opener, Greg Dolor anchors the Sealions’ bid to break through, while Dryx Saavedra leads FEU-DN Steel in its bounce-back mission.