In a highly-anticipated championship showdown between two powerhouse teams, Cignal relied on its vast experience and unparalleled poise under pressure to thwart Criss Cross, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, capturing the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown at the Philsports Arena on Sunday night.
While the match appeared evenly balanced on paper and in execution, Cignal’s composure in clutch moments of each set, honed by numerous finals appearances and title conquests, made all the difference.
For head coach Dexter Clamor, it was not just about executing plays – it was about making the right adjustments at critical junctures. Coming into the finals, Criss Cross seemed to have the psychological edge after its impressive four-set semifinal triumph over the same Cignal squad.
However, Clamor’s strategic brilliance enabled the HD Spikers to overcome their rivals’ momentum and reclaim dominance.
Whether in control or trailing, Cignal delivered the same result – emerging on top after the dust settled.
Down by four in the third set, the HD Spikers mounted a comeback that typifies championship-winning teams. They tied the set at 17 and gained the lead after Nico Almendras committed an attack error.
From there, the battle became a thrilling back-and-forth, with Cignal briefly reclaiming the lead at 20-19, only for Criss Cross to surge back ahead at 22-21. It wasn’t a surprise when the set stretched to the distance, especially after Jude Garcia saved Criss Cross from championship point with a fiery back-row attack.
However, Martin Bugaoan, thrust into the spotlight at crunch time, delivered a crucial quick attack on an open block. After a tense exchange, Garcia launched another back-row attack – but this time it went wide.
The King Crunchers challenged the call with a ball-in/ball-out review, leading to an anti-climactic finish. The video, however, confirmed the ball was out, officially handing the HD Spikers their eighth championship.
While Louie Ramirez’s brilliant 24-point performance was key to the victory, Clamor was quick to credit the bench for their contributions.
“I thank my second stringers who stepped up,” he said. “It was really a collective effort. We prepared hard for this match.”
Wendell Miguel added 15 points, Lloyd Josafat scored six markers, JP Bugaoan contributed four before leaving due to injury late in the third, Steven Rotter chipped in with four points, and both Owa Retamar and Martin Bugaoan had two points each.
For Ramirez, the victory was a form of redemption after their semifinal loss to the King Crunchers.
“I’m really happy, especially considering what we went through,” said the soft-spoken Ramirez in Filipino. “I just went all out and played well.”
He credited his strong connection with playmaker Owa Retamar for their success, saying: “The adjustments we made, especially with Owa, made sure they couldn’t read us.”
After being neutralized by the King Crunchers' defense in their four-set semis loss, Cignal devised a new strategy for him, setting him up for powerful high-ball spikes.
The HD Spikers capitalized on the King Crunchers' poor passing and numerous errors, particularly on mishits and mis-sets, taking control of tight battles throughout each set.
In offense, Ramirez proved his worth as Cignal’s go-to player, delivering the bulk of his output in the first two sets and late in the third, while Miguel provided strong support with a superb performance.
Miguel also provided an amusing relief late in the second set when, while attempting to keep the ball in play, he accidentally collided with the ringside rails. A member of the Cignal coaching staff rushed to his aid but comically tripped, exposing his backside, which had the crowd in stitches and is expected to go viral.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the resilience of Cignal’s system despite the exodus of several key players to Criss Cross. Former HD Spikers now forming the core of the King Crunchers had carried their squad through a sweeping performance in the semis round, giving them an aura of invincibility entering the finals.
Yet, Cignal’s championship DNA shone through when it mattered most, with veterans stepping up and younger players rising to the occasion.
“Consistency was key throughout the game. We addressed all the issues we faced in past games, even in training,” said Clamor, who also steered the HD Spikers to a sweep of the King Crunchers in the Open Conference finals last May.
For Criss Cross, the loss marked another frustrating setback. Their finals run highlighted their championship caliber, but falling short against the very team they once called home leaves a bitter taste. While they boast a talented and battle-tested roster, including former Cignal standouts, the King Crunchers struggled to match their rivals’ finishing prowess under pressure.
In the end, the championship belonged to Cignal – an organization defined by consistency, composure and the ability to thrive even through roster changes. Their ability to develop talent, weather adversity, and execute on the grandest stage speaks volumes of their system and winning culture.
