KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Expect a wide open race for supremacy as the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference returns on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Four more clubs are taking part in the event, raising the number of participants to 11 which is a testament to the growing popularity of men’s volleyball in the country.

Multi-titled National University is out to defend its crown against teams with known players like Cignal HD Spikers and City of Imus

Other squads are AMC Volleyball, City of Sta. Rosa, D’ Navigators Iloilo, PGJC-Navy, Air Force, Army Vanguard Volleyball team and VNS Volleyball Club.

“It’s a blessing that we’re getting more teams this year, a good sign that there really is a big interest in men’s volleyball. We hope to bring this interest across the country,” said Sports Vision President Ricky Palou in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Now on its sixth season, Spikers’ Turf Tournament Director Mozzy Ravena said sustaining this league is one way of providing a platform for male volleyball players to share their talents and get discovered.

“We have players na biglang pinag-aagawan ng collegiate schools kasi nakita silang maglaro dito. So, we’re grateful that we’re able to do that,” Ravena said.

Spikers’ Turf President Alyssa Valdez added the increase in team participation just echoed this year’s tournament hashtag: Where power meets passion.

“Gusto naming ipakita na yung passion ng mga teams na ito, yung excitement and fun ng men’s volleyball,” Valdez said.

City of Imus and City of Sta. Rosa will raise the curtain in the 4 p.m. opening game, followed by military teams Army and Navy at 6 p.m.

Matches will be shown live on OneSports and OneSports+ and streamed on social media platforms.