As history suggests, rivalries in sports enhance the leagues, the competition, and engage the crowd.
Even before facing each other, defending champion Cignal and newly-formed Criss Cross have already captured the attention of Philippine volleyball fans as the newest rivalry in the Spikers’ Turf.
The HD Spikers have secured Bryan Bagunas, who gained recognition by playing as an import in Japan and Taiwan. On the opposite side, the King Crunchers have signed Marck Espejo, the former face of Cignal, who has also left his mark in Japan, Thailand, Bahrain, and South Korea.
During the league’s inaugural kickoff press conference on Friday at the Discovery Suites Ortigas, HD Spikers captain Wendel Miguel shared that this impending rivalry would help elevate the league and the men’s game, bringing more recognition and appreciation in a country primarily fixated on women’s action.
“Actually, mas maganda nga ‘yun eh. Actually kahit hindi Criss Cross, kahit ‘yung ibang mga teams. Kung sa Criss Cross lang, mas maganda rin ‘yung ganong rivalry para mas tumaas pa ‘yung fanbase ng men’s volleyball kasi ‘yun naman talaga hinihiling ng bawat manlalaro ng men’s volleyball eh, ‘yung tumaas o makita ng mga tao na masarap din manood ng men’s volleyball,” said Miguel, who has JP Bugaoan as his co-captain.
“Nakakatuwa na meron na ulit rivalry, dati kasi ang rival Air Force diba? Ngayon meron bagong rival nga na Criss Cross, Rebisco team, so paghahandaan namin kung ‘yun ang sinasabi ng tao,” he continued.
On the other hand, Criss Cross captain Ysay Marasigan echoed the sentiments of his former teammate Miguel on what would be the effect of this brewing rivalry.
However, he also mentioned that beating Cignal would be challenging as its chemistry is as solid as a rock compared to theirs, which started just two months ago.
It can also be pointed out that some players of the King Crunchers were former members of the HD Spikers that won the 2023 Open, namely Marasigan, Espejo, Manuel Sumanguid, Chu Njigha, and Geuel Asia.
“Actually, natutuwa ako kasi ‘yun ‘yung expectation ng mga tao na kapag nagharap ‘yung Cignal at Criss Cross magiging magandang laban happy ako doon,” said Marasigan.
“For sure naman wala naman kaming ineexpect na matatalo namin ang Cignal kasi kakabuo lang ng team, almost two months pa lang kaming nagtitraining tapos ang Cignal kahit umalis naman kami ‘yung mga core players nandoon pa rin mostly ‘yung mga players so mas buo pa rin sila and mahirap talunin talaga ‘yung isang buong team,” he added.
Spikers’ Turf will open on Wednesday, March 13, as the competition expands from Paco Arena to the bigger Philsports Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ynares Sports Arena Pasig, and Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
