Unbeaten Cignal and Criss Cross square off today (Wednesday) in a high-stakes battle for the top spot in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The defending champions HD Spikers boast a formidable roster led by the explosive duo of Jau Umandal and Steven Rotter, who have been instrumental in their dominant run. However, head coach Dexter Clamor remains wary of complacency creeping in, especially after their sluggish start against the PGJC Navy Sealions, where they dropped the first set before recovering in style.

“Very alarming, but I know how they play against Criss Cross. The mindset and focus are there — almost no one talks because they’re locked in. I just hope we can change that mindset,” Clamor said in Filipino.

On the other side, the King Crunchers are determined to finally break through against their long-time rivals, who have toppled them in the Open and Invitational finals last year.

Reigning Open Conference Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia, along with Kim Malabunga, spearheads a stacked lineup hungry for revenge after falling short against Cignal in the last two final showdowns.

Garcia knows that conditioning and recovery will be crucial in this much-anticipated clash, especially with both teams grinding through four matches in just two weeks.

“We’ll review Cignal’s game and then rest. After that, we go all out in practice to prepare for the match,” Garcia said.

With Cignal’s firepower and championship experience clashing against Criss Cross’ relentless drive for redemption, expect an intense, down-the-wire battle as both squads fight for undisputed control of the standings at the end of the first-round eliminations.

In other matches, Savouge (2-2) expects to bounce back from a loss to Criss Cross as it takes on VNS-Laticrete (1-3) at 1 p.m., while PGJC-Navy (1-3) and winless Alpha Insurance (0-4) mix it up at 3:30 p.m.

Sherwin Caritativo and Giles Torres will take charge for the Spin Doctors, who were coming off a five-set loss to the King Crunchers, as they look to slow down CJ Segui and the Griffins back to the ground after the team notched its first win in the tournament against Alpha Insurance.

On the other hand, Greg Dolor and John Ashley Jacob will continue to carry the load for the Sealions in the absence of top spiker Joeven Dela Vega, while Edward Camposano and Vincent Nadere aim to lead the Protectors to the elusive first win.