Tough tests await Cignal, Criss Cross

Defending champion Cignal and Criss Cross aim to keep their winning streaks alive as they take on formidable opponents in today’s 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Both squads enter the fourth elimination round riding three-game winning streaks but remain cautious against rivals with the capability to turn the tide in their favor.

The HD Spikers battle the PGJC-Navy Sealions at 1 p.m. while the King Crunchers clash with the Savouge Spin Doctors in the 6 p.m. main event of another action-packed triple-header in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor has been managing the workload of his key players, as seen in their previous victory against VNS-Laticrete. He opted to rest star setter Owa Retamar entirely while shifting Wendel Miguel from outside hitter to libero to lessen his burden.

However, Clamor acknowledges that the HD Spikers cannot afford the same luxury against a determined Sealions squad that managed to steal a set from Criss Cross in their previous encounter.

“They played well against Criss Cross. So we won’t treat this as just another regular game. This is one of the crucial matches because we need at least six to seven wins to secure a spot in the semifinals,” Clamor said in Filipino.

Cignal will once again rely on the potent duo of Jau Umandal and Steven Rotter to power their offense, but the team gets an additional boost with the return of Louie Ramirez, who is eager to make an impact after missing two games due to a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Navy will lean heavily on Greg Dolor, fresh off a tournament-best 32-point performance against the King Crunchers, as they continue to miss the services of Joeven Dela Vega.

Despite dropping a set against Navy last Wednesday, Criss Cross remains the heavy favorite in its showdown against Savouge in the nightcap.

Nico Almendras has found his rhythm after missing the King Crunchers’ first game, complementing the stellar play of Jaron Requinton and the ever-reliable Jude Garcia. Their well-balanced attack is expected to pose a significant challenge for Savouge.

“Our mindset remains the same – we go back to training. Whatever weaknesses or adjustments we need to make, we must address them in practice so that we can execute them properly in actual matches,” said Almendras in Filipino, who delivered a team-high 14 points in their last outing.

The Spin Doctors, however, face an uphill battle after Shawie Caritativo and Lorenz Señoron suffered ankle injuries in their previous win over the Alpha Insurance Protectors. Both players are doubtful for Sunday’s match, but Hero Austria, along with a few teammates, stepped up in their absence.

In the second game at 3:30 p.m., VNS and Alpha Insurance, both winless in the tournament, battle for their first victory.

The Griffins will count on young guns CJ Segui and RK Medino, while the Protectors will pin their hopes on JJ Javelona and Vincent Nadera as they strive to break into the win column in four starts.