Physical conditions won’t play a major role when a well-rested Criss Cross squad takes on a battle-weary Cignal team in a much-anticipated Spikers’ Turf rematch. Whenever these two powerhouse teams clash, expect an intense, no-holds-barred showdown where records and stats take a backseat to sheer determination.
With pride, prestige and crucial Open Conference rankings on the line, both teams are hungry to seize the moment. The King Crunchers and the HD Spikers will collide at 6:30 on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in what promises to be an all-out dogfight.
Criss Cross stunned Cignal with a dominant straight-set victory in their first-round encounter last week. Riding the momentum of a flawless seven-game run, including a swift 3-0 triumph over VNS-Laticrete last Wednesday, the King Crunchers are looking to solidify their grip on the top spot and complete a double-round prelims sweep.
However, Cignal is out for redemption. Despite coming off a grueling five-set battle against a tough Savouge squad just two nights ago, the HD Spikers are eager to strike back at their fiercest challenger. A win tonight would not only avenge their earlier loss but also earn them a share of the lead and a potential claim to the No. 1 seed heading into the semifinals.
With so much at stake, expect nothing less than a thrilling, high-octane battle between two of the league’s best.
"Against Cignal, we're going to review our last game against them, we'll study it again because that's important. We can't just rely on our talent. Cignal is a formidable team, so we can't afford to relax when playing against them," said Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa in Filipino.
On the other hand, the HD Spikers take pride in their victory over the King Crunchers in last year’s Open and Invitational Conference finals.
Cignal is coming off a hard-fought 27-25, 20-25, 28-30, 25-22, 15-13 win against Savouge last Wednesday, an intense test of character ahead of their highly anticipated showdown with their archrivals. It also served as a reminder that their quest for a third consecutive championship will be anything but easy.
“We still have a lot of work to do as a team. Skill-wise, we’re in good shape, but we need to improve our mental toughness and patience on the court,” said Cignal skipper Wendel Miguel in Filipino.
“I’m not sure if our morale is high because, honestly, we should have won in straight sets. We were capable, but we let it slip to a fifth set. The team is a bit exhausted, but the good thing is we’ll have time to rest and analyze Criss Cross’ strengths and weaknesses,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.
The triple-header kicks off with the Savouge-Alpha Insurance clash at 1 p.m., followed by the 3:30 p.m. matchup between VNS-Laticrete and PGJC-Navy.
The Spin Doctors (4-3) aim to secure a spot in the round-robin semifinals alongside the King Crunchers and the HD Spikers. To do so, they must defeat the Protectors, who hold a 2-5 record but are coming off a confidence-boosting straight-set win against the Sealions.
Meanwhile, the Griffins and the Sealions, both at 1-6, will battle for the fourth semifinal spot in what promises to be a spirited showdown.
Games are aired live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live, with telecasts available on One Sports and One Sports+.
