Three tough matches usher in new S Turf season

INAUGURAL champion Instituto Estetico Manila and Season 1 titlist PLDT face off in an early clash of the fancied teams as the Spikers’ Turf unveils its third season today (Saturday) with the Open Conference at the Blue Eagle gym in QC.

The IEM Volley Masters and the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters tangle in the 3 p.m. main of an explosive triple-header marking the return of the men’s premier volley league which features 10 teams and now aired over Hyper Channel 91 and 261 (HD) over Cignal TV.

The Cignal HD Spikers collide with the Prima-FEU Tams at 11 a.m. while Team Fury battles the Ateneo Blue EaglesFudgee Barr side at 1 p.m.

The league’s new partnership with Cignal TV will have two of three matches telecast live on game days (Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) in the afternoon, guaranteeing a wider audience. Games can also be viewed via live streaming. The other teams competing are Air Force, Army, Navy and Sta. Elena Construction with keen competition seen given the single round robin format. The top four teams will advance to the crossover semis, a best- of-three affair with the winners disputing the championship in another best- of-three series.

The organizing Sports Vision, which revived women’s volley in 2004 and made it become what it is today, and Cignal TV believe the men’s league will also gain a mainstream appeal in time with so many talented players around plus a big number of emerging talents.

“There are a lot of good men’s volleyball players around. And on the side skills and materials – they are all there,” said tournament director Mozzy Ravena. “When it comes to entertainment value, they are also fun to watch.”

Cignal shared the same perspective that it didn’t think twice when it was presented the opportunity to air the Spikers’ Turf, according to Miguel Vea, head of channel management and programming of Cignal TV.

“There is definitely an audience (men’s volleyball),” said Vea. “On Hyper, one of the highest rating programs that we have is actually volleyball and UFC. So whenever there is a good volleyball game, you can be sure people are going to watch it.”

Games today (Saturday)

(Blue Eagle gym)

11 a.m. – Cignal vs Prima-FEU

1 p.m. – Fury vs Ateneo-Fudgee Bar 3 p.m. – IEM vs PLDT