It’s a post-Halloween treat fans won’t want to miss – a Sunday night thriller featuring none other than bitter rivals Cignal and Criss Cross, two powerhouse squads colliding for the solo lead and a crucial psychological edge in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Their 6 p.m. duel isn’t just another marquee matchup – it’s a showdown of power, pride and proven pedigree, a battle between two teams whose rivalry has defined the league’s recent history.
Both squads have swept their first two assignments, setting the stage for an explosive encounter that could set the tone for the rest of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
There’s no denying the edge Cignal holds in this matchup. The Super Spikers have bested the King Crunchers in the last three conference finals, cementing their status as the gold standard in men’s volleyball.
But that also fuels Criss Cross’s fire – and on Sunday, redemption is the word.
Coach Tai Bundit’s squad indeed looks menacing on paper. Led by a dynamic frontline of Marck Espejo, Jaron Requinton, Jude Garcia, Ysay Marasigan and Noel Kampton, with Adrian Villados orchestrating the offense, the King Crunchers have shown both firepower and balance in dominating the VNS Griffins and overpowering the PGJC-Navy Sealions.
Still, Cignal’s experience remains its greatest weapon. Coach Dexter Clamor knows his crew – led by Wendel Miguel, JM Ronquillo, Martin and JP Bugaoan, Joshua Umandal, Jared Schnake, Steven Rotter and playmaker EJ Casana – thrives when the stakes are highest. Their signature chemistry and composure under pressure have carried them to multiple titles.
Cignal didn’t have the smoothest of starts, needing to claw back from a 1-2 set deficit and a 3-6 hole in the decider against the Alpha Insurance Protectors – a performance that didn’t sit well with Clamor. But the defending champions quickly regrouped, blasting past the Griffins in four sets in their next outing to reclaim their intimidating form.
“I hope sa next game namin, which is Criss Cross, makuha pa namin ‘yung chemistry na solid sa bawat isa and then makapag-perform kami nang maayos,” said Clamor.
Criss Cross, meanwhile, has looked more dominant so far, sweeping its opening match against the Griffins before cruising past PGJC-Navy. Yet, against Cignal, statistics often go out the window. The Super Spikers’ poise and system have time and again neutralized even the most stacked rosters.
"Siguro ngayon, ang pinakamagandang gawin namin is pahinga. Reset lang kami, kinabukasan back to work ulit kami. Pagandahan na lang siguro ng gising," said Kampton, who is making his first Criss Cross-Cignal debut match on a high following a 14-point performance against VNS.
Beyond the quest for the solo lead, tonight’s match carries weight that goes beyond the standings.
For Cignal, it’s about maintaining its dynasty and reminding everyone why it is still the team to beat. For Criss Cross, it’s about rewriting the narrative – proving that this time, the King Crunchers have what it takes to topple their old tormentors.
Both teams understand that a win here is more than points on the board. It’s a statement – and perhaps a preview of another finals showdown looming on the horizon.
Before the headline act, volleyball fans are in for a triple-header treat. Alpha Insurance squares off against V-League champion FEU-DN Steel at 2 p.m., while UST-Gameville battles VNS at 4 p.m.
Still, fans eagerly await the main event where rivalry, revenge and resolve will take center stage.
