NOW supported by the Archipelago Builders, National University is back for another shot at the Spikers’ Turf crown.

But with star players Josh Retamar, Nico Almendras and Obed Mukaba now focusing for the school’s campaign to extend its UAAP men’s volleyball reign in Season 85 next month, the Bulldogs hope to do it with their second team when the Open Conference begins on Sunday at the Paco Arena.

NU-Archipelago Builders is expected to face stiff opposition from Cignal, PGJC-Navy, Philippine Army, VNS and Santa Rosa City, with Air Force, one of the winningest teams in the league with three titles, likewise making its keenly-awaited return after missing the action last season.

“Mas maraming teams, mas mahirap yung competition. I think we will be the youngest team na magcocompete ngayon kasi I don’t think makakalaro yung UAAP players namin,” said Bulldogs assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz during the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Forum at the ground floor of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex yesterday.

Making their Spikers’ Turf debut are AMC Volleyball, City of Imus, D’ Navigators Iloilo and Vanguard Volleyball.

“Lahat naman ng teams (malakas) pero syempre ‘yung number one diyan ‘yung Imus, Cignal, AMC,” said Dela Cruz.

The Sea Lions, who reached the podium for the first time last year, are also bracing for a tough challenge with the stacked field.

“Last season kasi alam mo na kung sinong magiging top four pero this time, hindi mo siya ma-[predict] kasi ang lalakas ng teams ngayon. Kung para sa akin, Imus, Cignal, NU, AMC,” said PGJC-Navy’s Cecille Cruzada, the lone female coach in the league.

With more squads joining the title chase from last year’s seven-team field, it only underscores the continued growth of the league, which aims to produce talents who could be tapped, developed and trained to become members of future national teams.

“It’s really a blessing that we’re getting more teams interested in joining the Spikers’ Turf. We’re growing and this is a good sign. It just shows everybody that there really is interest not only in women’s volley but also in the men’s side. ” said Ricky Palou, president of the organizing Sports Vision, .

“Our aim is to really look for new talents for the sport to hopefully come up with a really good national team. So far, it’s slowly happening and we’re happy with the results and we hope it’s going to get bigger and we’re hoping to bring the Spikers’ Turf to greater heights,” he added.

The top four teams after a single round robin elims will advance to the semifinals, another single round robin phase with the top two clashing for the championship, a best-of-three affair.

Gamedays are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays featuring two matches.

Tournament director Mozzy Ravena, Spikers’ Turf president Alyssa Valdez, and Cignal TV Channel Manager for Sports Von Reinhart Gaa also lend their presence in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).