If the first two games of the Finals were any indication, brace yourself for an all-out war as Criss Cross and Cignal clash in the ultimate showdown for the highly coveted Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
This 4 p.m. finale has all the makings of a classic. Cignal drew first blood in Game 1, overcoming a 1-2 set deficit to outlast Criss Cross in a grueling five-set thriller, sealing the victory, 15-12, in the decider.
But Criss Cross refused to fold. The King Crunchers roared back in Game 2, forcing a do-or-die battle. Despite squandering a 2-0 set lead, they staged a stunning comeback in Set 5, clawing their way back from 4-7 down and delivering a scorching 11-5 finishing run to win also via a three-point result.
The crowd erupted in celebration, while Cignal’s die-hard supporters watched in stunned silence.
Now, with everything on the line, it all comes down to one final match, one last fight for glory. Will Cignal cement its dominance with a historic three-peat for the franchise’s ninth championship, or will Criss Cross finally shatter the glass ceiling and claim its first-ever championship?
Criss Cross enters Game 3 with momentum. Jaron Requinton’s heroics in Game 2 displayed both skill and composure under pressure. His leadership, along with the dominance of MVP Jude Garcia and veteran Marck Espejo, gives the King Crunchers a formidable edge.
But standing in their way is Cignal’s battle-hardened core. The HD Spikers have been here before – multiple times – and know what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
Jau Umandal remains their go-to scorer, while Steven Rotter provides offensive firepower and JP Bugaoan anchors the defense.
“It’s all or nothing,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino. “This game will become history. We’ll give it our best.”
For Criss Cross, the key to victory isn’t just skill – it’s mental resilience.
"I think what I need to prepare and share with my teammates is how I can be mentally tough individually and how we, as a team, can develop that same toughness. We really need to be mentally strong to fight off the doubts and overthinking that creep into our minds," said Requinton.
"If we lose a point, we need to forget about it immediately and move on to the next one. That’s probably the biggest adjustment we’ll make for Game 3," he added.
Cignal, on the other hand, trusts in its experience and preparation.
“We’ve studied their adjustments from Game 2,” said Clamor. “Game 3 is a different conversation – it’s all about mental, physical and tactical preparation.”
With both teams eyeing history, the stakes have never been higher. Criss Cross is hungry for its first title, while Cignal refuses to surrender its dynasty without a fight.
One team will triumph. One team will fall. And only one will be crowned champion.
