The stage is set for an electrifying Sunday as Cignal squares off with its fierce rival Criss Cross in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
With a coveted spot in the gold medal match on the line, the match promises to deliver more intensity, skill and suspense than their thrilling preliminary clash.
Riding on the momentum of back-to-back straight-set victories over the Savouge Spin Doctors and the FEU DN Steel Ultras, the HD Spikers are proving why they’re perennial title contenders.
But with three of their five total encounters extending to five sets, HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor knows that it all boils down to mental dexterity.
“Actually it’s more on mindset because when it comes to skills almost the same lang lahat. Ang factor dito ay kung sino yung mas gustong manalo,” said Clamor.
Their dominant form is reminiscent of their championship-winning sweep in the Open Conference last May where they swept the King Crunchers.
However, Criss Cross has hit peak form at just the right time. Eager to avenge their prelims loss to the HD Spikers and fuel their own finals aspirations, the King Crunchers enter the match with a formidable seven-game win streak.
This includes a string of shutout victories that have bolstered their confidence in the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
But the HD Spikers are on a nine-game tear, recovering strongly after an upset against the Spin Doctors last October.
Meanwhile, Criss Cross hasn’t lost since their five-set battle with Cignal last Nov. 3.
With both teams determined to keep their streaks alive, their clash sets the stage for a duel that promises to be a no-holds-barred spectacle of skill and grit.
“Paghahandaan namin ang Cignal. Hindi namin babalewalain na sila ‘yung champion. Buo sila, malalakas ‘yung players nila,” said King Crunchers captain Ysay Marasigan.
The action kicks off at 6 p.m., with volleyball fans eagerly anticipating a showdown that could surpass their previous meeting in drama and intensity.
Preceding the main event is a 4 p.m. showdown between guest team Hyogo and the skidding FEU DN Steel Ultras.
Despite their rough start in the semifinals, the young Ultras remain slight favorites.
Hyogo, coming off a straight-set defeat against the resurgent Spin Doctors, displayed moments of brilliance in their opening match, especially during the intense extended third set.
However, the Japanese squad needs to strengthen their reception and defensive strategies to counter the formidable FEU DN Steel juggernaut effectively.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Games will also be streamed via the official Spikers’ Turf website.
