Sta. Elena-National University finally gets the chance to showcase its wares as it tangles with an equally tough Kinto Tyres-Perpetual Help in a clash of top collegiate squads in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena Wednesday.
Boasting of a potent crew made up of Joshua Retamar, Nico Almendras, Michaelo Buddi and Obed Mukaba, the Sta. Elena Nationals toughened up all the more with the entry of Jade Disquitado but they remain wary of the Altas, who will be led by reigning NCAA MVP Louie Ramirez.
Gametime is at 1 p.m. with the winner joining Pool A leaders Ateneo and Army.
Saints and Lattes-Letran and Santa Rosa City Lions kick off hostilities at 11 a.m. with the former to bank on Raxel Catris against the City Lions headed by the troika of Ish Polvorosa, Hero Austria and Ronniel Rosales in Pool A action.
MKA-San Beda, on the other hand, will take on Cabstars-Cabuyao at 3 p.m. in a Pool B duel while Savogue-RTU Basilan and Bayleaf Hotels-LPU wrap another heavy four-game bill in the tournament organized by Sports Vision at 5 p.m. in Pool D play.
Tipped to lead the Red Spikers’ charge are Van Book, Anrei Bakil and Kevin Montemayor while skillper Aljune Centeno will be the main man for Cabuyao.
Taking charge for the Golden Thunders is former UST star Lorenz Señoron, while Jun Edang will anchor the Pirates’ opening game bid in the tournament backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa.
Games can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.