Cignal will face an early test of its championship mettle when it squares off against Savouge in a marquee matchup between title contenders on Sunday even as Criss Cross targets a share of the lead in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference elimination round at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The clash, set at 3:30 p.m., not only features two of the league’s top teams but also marks the return of the tournament, organized by Sports Vision, to the historic venue for the first time since May 10, 2024, when the HD Spikers clinched the Open Conference championship with a sweep of the King Crunchers.
Coming off a strong statement win against debuting Alpha Insurance Protectors in last Friday’s season opener, the HD Spikers remain wary of their encounter with the Spin Doctors, knowing that Savouge has the weapons to challenge them.
After all, it was the same squad that handed them their only elimination-round defeat in last year’s Invitational Conference.
If there’s one team that has proven it can go toe-to-toe with Cignal, it’s Savouge. Their encounter in 2024 saw the Spin Doctors stun the powerhouse HD Spikers, handing them a rare elimination-round loss.
While Cignal eventually went on to secure the championship, that setback remains a reminder of Savouge’s ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.
This time, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor is making sure his team doesn’t take Savouge lightly.
“We will prepare thoroughly. Because last conference, during the elimination round, they gave us a good fight. Now that we’ll be facing them again in the 2025 eliminations, we will prepare even harder, knowing that they are a more complete team this time," said Clamor in Filipino.
Adding to the intrigue is the offseason acquisition of former Cignal standout Mark Calado by Savouge, further fueling this developing rivalry.
“They've added someone, Mark (Calado), who came from our team. Of course, we know the potential of the kid and how good he is since he was with us before," Clamor noted.
With Calado now teaming up with the explosive Sherwin Caritativo, Savouge has the firepower to challenge Cignal’s defensive structure. The Spin Doctors will look to exploit any gaps in the HD Spikers’ system as they attempt to score another reversal.
The HD Spikers, however, remain confident in their core, led by team captain JP Bugaoan, Wendel Miguel, and a fully recovered Steven Rotter, who is back from a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
Despite their depth, Cignal will miss the services of Louie Ramirez, who is still nursing a shoulder injury. His absence could put additional pressure on Rotter and Miguel to deliver in the attacking department.
Meanwhile, Savouge will rely on Calado and Caritativo to provide the offensive spark, while their middle blockers aim to disrupt Cignal’s quick plays and net defense.
The PGJC-Navy and VNS-Laticrete duel at 1 p.m. is also expected to be fierce and intense, both eager to notch their first win of the tournament.
In the 6 p.m. main game, the King Crunchers will try to keep their momentum going as they face the Alpha Insurance Protectors, who are seeking a breakthrough victory.
The Sealions, still reeling from a straight-set defeat to the Spin Doctors, will count on Greg Dolor, Peter Quiel and Jack Kalingking to bounce back against a VNS-Laticrete squad led by CJ Segui, Kenneth Culabat and Jayvee Sumagaysay.
Additionally, all eyes will be on the return of Nico Almendras for Criss Cross as he faces his former college teammate, Edward Camposano, in a battle of rising stars.
Games are aired live via SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live, while telecasts will be available on One Sports and One Sports+.
