Some of the competitors in the upcoming Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference. Handout/PVL Media
MANILA -- While Cignal and Criss Cross have dominated the Finals of the last three Spikers' Turf conferences, coaches of eight local teams believe that this year's Invitational Conference could finally break that streak when action fires off on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
For the mentors, including Super Spikers' head coach Dexter Clamor and King Crunchers' tactician Paul Jan Doloiras, the upcoming tournament is wide open.
"Lahat ngayon, even the university teams, tumaas 'yung level. So I guess lahat magkocompete nang maigi for this Invitational Conference, even the guest teams. Hindi ko masabi kung sino talaga," said Clamor.
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Adding intrigue to the mix are guest squads Kindai University of Japan and ProVolley Academy of Australia, which are expected to make their presence felt once they join the semifinal round.
"Hindi rin namin masabi kasi pare-parehas lang na nagtitraining araw-araw. Talagang pagalingan at pagandahan ng sistema. Doon magkakatalo. Pero kung titingnan mo 'yung lineup ng tao, pare-parehas lang din lahat matitibay," Doloiras added.
Also seeing action are back-to-back bronze medalists Savouge, PGJC-Navy, Alpha Insurance, and VNS, while 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge champion FEU-DN Steel and bronze medalist UST-Gameville complete the local field.
With nonstop training since the conclusion of the Open Conference earlier this year and the addition of several new recruits, Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon expects a fierce battle ahead.
"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.
Meanwhile, the Protectors and Griffins aim to fight their way into the semifinals – not just for recognition, but also for a rare chance to test their mettle against the visiting squads.
This will be only Alpha Insurance's second conference in the Spikers' Turf after finishing fifth in the Open, while VNS, known for developing young and raw talent, eyes its first-ever podium finish.
"Maganda 'yung labanan ngayon. 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," said Protectors head coach Mike Santos.
"Hindi talaga masabi kasi kami nagpiprepare rin. Knowing VNS, more of young talents, pero hasa na rin itong mga kids namin," added Griffins deputy coach JP De Guzman.
Armed with a youth-laden lineup, UST-Gameville head coach Odjie Mamon is equally determined to steer his team into the semis.
"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.