EXPECT an extremely competitive men’s volleyball action as the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference begins on March 13.

“It’s going to be a bigger and more exciting men’s tournament. To many of us here, it was just a dream before. Pangarap lang talaga dahil as much as we appreciate the women’s game na tumaas like yung popularity,” said tournament director Mozzy Ravena during the league’s launch yesterday.

“That is the vision that we’ve always had years and years ago. Internationally, alam niyo naman ang men’s game is really popular, so it’s about time na tayo rin sumunod na,” she added.

Nine clubs will vie for the crown, including three newcomers that will spice up the competition.

Defending champion Cignal, D’Navigators, PGJC-Navy, Air Force, Savouge and VNS Nasty are determined to make an impact, while debutants Criss Cross, RichMarc Sports and Maverick are looking forward to make the most out of their initial Spikers’ Turf foray.

“One thing that’s different this year is very solid yung mga teams – with definitely quality games. Hopefully, yan din ang maging reason ng fans bakit sila manunuod, susuportahan, at maa-appreciate ang men’s volleyball,” said league president and the sport’s biggest star Alyssa Valdez.

All eyes will be on the King Crunchers, who are tipped to challenge the HD Spikers in the throne.

“This is the first time I’m coaching Philippine men (club) team. I need to learn more,” said Criss Cross coach Tai Bundit, a three-time PVL champion for Creamline and a two-time UAAP women’s volleyball titlist for Ateneo.

“Malaki ang expectation because of coach Tai itself. Basta maglaro lang and expectation ng Rebisco management is to play happy,” said the club’s middle blocker Rex Intal.

Coach Dexter Clamor is looking forward to steer Cignal back on top notwithstanding the tough field the decorated club is facing.

“I’m very much excited kasi mas maraming teams this conference. We will do our best to defend our crown,” said Clamor.

“Sa amin, mentally dapat prepared kami sa gagawin namin this tournament,” said Jao Umandal, one of the HD Spikers’ biggest off-season signings.

Play will be a single-round preliminaries with the top four advancing to the semifinals, also a single-round robin phase with the top two disputing the championship and the bottom two clashing for the bronze, both in best-of-three series.

Matches will be held at the Paco Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Santa Rosa Multipurpose Sports Complex, Ynares Sports Arena and