Fresh off a stunning straight-set win over defending champion Cignal, Criss Cross looks to extend its dominance as the second round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference resumes on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The King Crunchers dismantled the HD Spikers, 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, not only closing an impressive first-round campaign but also ending their struggles against the reigning champions, who had beaten them in two title showdowns last year.
Riding the momentum of a flawless 5-0 record, they face the Alpha Insurance Protectors at 1 p.m., brimming with confidence.
Leading the charge once again is Ish Polvorosa, a steady presence for Criss Cross throughout the eliminations. He will orchestrate the offense for the hard-hitting trio of Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton and Nico Almendras.
Despite their perfect start, Polvorosa emphasized that their early success means nothing without a championship. He stressed the need for focus and continuous improvement as they chase the title.
"I think we did well in the first round, but there are still things we need to improve on. There are lapses that we shouldn’t be making anymore. I know we can work on those in training," said Polvorosa in Filipino.
"Just because we swept the first round doesn’t mean that’s it. We have to stay locked in and focused on our goal – winning the championship," he added.
Meanwhile, the Protectors aim to build on their recent win, powered by Vince Nadera, Edward Camposano and JJ Javelona. They are coming off a dominant straight-set victory over the undermanned PGJC Navy Sealions last Wednesday before the tournament took a brief break.
At 3:30 p.m., the HD Spikers seek to bounce back from their humbling loss and take out their frustration on the VNS-Laticrete Griffins.
Wendel Miguel, Jau Umandal and Steven Rotter will spearhead Cignal’s attack as the HD Spikers try to recover from their shaky third-set performance against King Crunchers. The Griffins, led by CJ Segui, are tied at 1-4 with the Protectors and the Sealions, making every match crucial.
In the nightcap at 6 p.m., the Savouge Spin Doctors (3-2) aim to tighten their grip on third place as they take on the struggling Sealions.
Mark Calado and Sherwin Caritativo will again lead Savouge’s charge, while Navy’s depleted lineup will rely on John Ashley Jacob and Peter Quiel after a series of setbacks. Veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, and Marvin Hairami were pulled for training, while ace spiker Joeven Dela Vega has been ruled out for the season due to illness.
With Criss Cross surging, Cignal seeking redemption, and other teams battling for positioning, the second round promises intense action and high-stakes volleyball.
