Reasserting its dominance over Criss Cross, Cignal is determined to do what it does best – close out a title series – as the HD Spikers go all-out to secure a sweep against the King Crunchers in Game Two of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
Cignal’s championship experience once again proved pivotal as it outlasted Criss Cross in a grueling five-set showdown in Game 1 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals last Wednesday. With a commanding Finals record and a history of rising to the occasion, the HD Spikers are now on the verge of clinching their ninth championship title in the league organized by Sports Vision.
Gametime is at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
However, their path to another crown is anything but guaranteed, as Criss Cross' deep and talented roster is out to bounce back in Game 2.
After suffering three defeats to Criss Cross in the elimination and semifinal rounds, Cignal flipped the script when it mattered most, pounding out a 22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 victory in the opener of their best-of-three series. The win moved them to the brink of yet another title, reinforcing their reputation as the kings of the Finals.
Cignal had previously swept Criss Cross for both the 2024 Invitational and the previous season’s Open title, proving their ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
Despite the setback, Criss Cross remains a formidable force. Armed with a souped-up roster, they entered the Finals with an unblemished 13-0 record, dominating both the elims and semis, highlighted by three victories over the HD Spikers.
Their core of Jude Garcia, Nico Almendras, Marck Espejo, and Ish Polvorosa has been nothing short of stellar, making them the most well-rounded challenger Cignal has faced in recent memory. Game 1 showcased their firepower, as they controlled the tempo through three sets before Cignal’s resilience and experience turned the tide in the stretch.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor credited the team’s Game 1 success to its depth, particularly the contributions of reserve players Jau Umandal and reliever setter Cian Silang. Umandal led the squad with 19 points, including 17 attacks in the third set, while Silang stepped in with 23 excellent sets after replacing Owa Retamar.
“Nag-step up lahat ng nasa labas, lalo na si Jau (Umandal). ‘Yan ‘yung Jau na hinahanap namin. ‘Yung suporta ng bawat isa, ‘yung suporta ni Cian (Silang) kay Owa (Retamar), lahat talaga. It’s really a collective effort of everyone. ‘Yun ‘yung siguro nagpapanalo sa amin (Everyone stepped up, especially Umandal. That’s the Jau we’ve been looking for. The support from each and every one, Cian (Silang)’s support for Owa (Retamar) – everything. It was truly a collective effort from everyone. That’s probably what led us to victory)," said Clamor.
With the HD Spikers now in prime position to close out the series, the King Crunchers will need to regroup and capitalize on their talent depth.
Criss Cross has the firepower to challenge Cignal, but it must find a way to sustain its intensity and composure deep into sets. Garcia, Almendras, Espejo and Polvorosa – along with Jaron Requinton and Gian Glorioso – will be key in ensuring that Game 2 doesn't slip away like the series’ opener.
Meanwhile, Savouge looks to annex a second consecutive bronze medal when it takes on VNS-Laticrete at 3 p.m. in Game 2 of their best-of-three series for third place.
Mark Calado, who erupted for 30 points in Game 1, will be the player to watch for the Spin Doctors, while the young Griffins will rely on CJ Segui as they seek to extend the series.
