Cignal, Criss Cross dispute finals berth

The stage is set for an electrifying Sunday as Cignal squares off with fierce rival Criss Cross in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals today at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Action kicks off at 6 p.m. with volleyball fans eagerly anticipating a showdown between the two powerhouse squads 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.

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 we’re almost the same. The factor here is based on who wants it more,” Clamor said.

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 3 November.

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.