Expect nothing less than fierce competition and intense action as the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference kicks off its single round-robin semifinals on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig – where every kill, dig, and save will shape one team’s road to the finals.
Beyond the physical battles, a tactical chess match will unfold as coaches introduce new strategies to outwit their opponents in both offensive play and defensive setups.
Dominating the double round eliminations, Criss Cross enters the Final Four brimming with confidence. However, the King Crunchers remain cautious against a Savouge team desperate to find its rhythm and complete the missing pieces of the victory jigsaw.
The Spin Doctors, who previously led the King Crunchers in sets (2-1) in both their encounters, failed to seal the deal, faltering against the Crunchers’ resilience and late-game composure. This time, Savouge is determined to turn the tables in their 3:30 p.m. showdown.
The King Crunchers, meanwhile, are eyeing not just another victory but also an extension of their winning streak, proving they have the Spin Doctors' number. For Savouge, the challenge is clear – fine-tune the smallest details, execute flawlessly, and finally take down one of the tournament's most dominant teams.
“We’ll train harder and prepare for every opponent in the semifinals. There’s no room to relax,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon in Filipino in the lead-up to the semis.
To stand a chance, the Spin Doctors will need outstanding performances from Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo and Madz Gampong to keep pace with the formidable King Crunchers, who feature a powerhouse lineup including reigning MVP Jude Garcia, rising star Jaron Requinton and the ever-reliable Nico Almendras.
For Criss Cross, this is a shot at redemption after falling short in last year’s Invitational and Open Conferences, both times against Cignal.
The HD Spikers, on the other hand, are on a mission to regain their championship form after a roller-coaster elimination round campaign. They take on the young but hungry VNS-Latréotec Griffins, who are making their first semis appearance since 2022 and are eager to make a statement in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Cignal will rely on the leadership and firepower of Steven Rotter, Wendel Miguel and Martin Bugaoan, who must deliver strong performances to restore their team’s rhythm and build momentum.
“We’re locked in on the semifinals. Every point, every set, every game matters. It’s a round-robin format, and we’re back to zero – winning as much as possible is the goal,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino
The Griffins, however, are not just here to participate; they’re here to disrupt the competition. They will be banking on CJ Segui, KC Culabat and Rash Nursiddik to step up and challenge the tournament’s more seasoned squads.
