MANILA, Philippines — For the third consecutive time, Cignal and Criss Cross face off against each other for the top spot in Spikers’ Turf.
The defending champion Cignal and Criss Cross, the runner-up of the past two tournaments, earned their second straight win in the semifinal round after taking down separate foes on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum to clinch a best-of-three finals duel for the 2025 Open Conference title.
The HD Spikers advanced to their eighth successive final, whereas the King Crunchers stayed undefeated after 12 matches and haven’t missed out on the championship round since entering the top-tier men’s volleyball league last year.
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Criss Cross Stuns Cignal Again for Unblemished 8-0 Record on Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross
In previous championship playoffs, Cignal has defeated Criss Cross twice. However, this time around, Criss Cross turned the tables, securing victory in their initial two encounters with authority.
Prior to their championship series starting on Wednesday at Philsports Arena, Cignal and Criss Cross face off in a decisive semi-final match on Sunday at the same location.
The undefeated Criss Cross received a boost as Japanese V.League player Marck Espejo made a return, aiding his home team in securing a spot in the finals through a decisive win against VNS-Laticrete with scores of 25-20, 25-15, and 25-11.
“I’m enthusiastic about facing Cignal once more because during their trip to Japan, we played an exhibition match with my Japanese club team. I will keep following Coach Tai (Bundit)’s system. I’ll strive to be a valuable supporting player and a supportive elder brother to my teammates,” stated Espejo in Filipino as he competes against his previous squad, Cignal.
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In his comeback match last Sunday after playing sparingly, Espejo exploded with 14 points from 10 spikes, two blocks, and two serves.
“I came from Japan maintaining my rhythm. The primary change for me has been adjusting to the weather and getting used to Coach Tai’s training approach, which differs from what we had back home,” explained the ex-league MVP, who landed here only on Saturday. “However, because of the intensity of his practice sessions, I managed to adapt swiftly.”
Espejo gets back together with his setter Ish Polvorosa, who maintains his strong performance with 13 outstanding sets along with scoring three points and making six digs.
Nico Almendras contributed 10 points, and the current MVP Jude Garcia scored an additional nine.
“I’m the one adapting to them since their rotation performed effectively during the elimination round. I wish to remain synchronized with them,” he stated.
At the same time, Cignal defeated Savouge with scores of 25-19, 25-20, and 25-18, as setter Owa Retamar directed the team’s well-coordinated assault, delivering an impressive 21 outstanding sets.
Steven Rotter led the HD Spikers with 13 points. The team captain, JP Bugaoan, along with Wendel Miguel, contributed nine and eight points each.
“Our squad performed exceptionally well. I’m grateful that our strategy, which we worked on for several days, proved successful,” stated Cignal coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
Savouge is not an easy adversary. During the elimination stage, they made Criss Cross go to a fifth set two times. They also pushed us to a fifth set in the second round, indicating that we shouldn’t underestimate them.
Mark Calado spearheaded Savouge with 11 points and 10 outstanding receptions. Giles Torres notched up eight points, whereas Shawie Caritativo contributed seven points, along with six superb digs and 11 receptions.
Savouge and VNS-Laticrete are set to face off for the bronze medal on Wednesday; however, they will first meet in a meaningless match on Sunday.