Criss Cross, Cignal brace for all-out war

Physical conditions won’t play a major role when a well-rested Criss Cross squad takes on a battle-weary Cignal team in a much-anticipated Spikers’ Turf rematch.

With pride, prestige and crucial Open Conference rankings on the line, both the King Crunchers and the HD Spikers are hungry to seize the moment when they collide at 6:30 p.m. today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in what promises to be an all-out dogfight.

Criss Cross stunned Cignal with a dominant straight-set victory in their first-round encounter last week.

Riding the momentum of a flawless seven-game run, including a swift 3-0 triumph over VNS-Laticrete last Wednesday, the King Crunchers are looking to solidify their grip on the top spot and complete a double-round prelims sweep.

However, Cignal is out for redemption. Despite coming off a grueling five-set battle against a tough Savouge squad just two nights ago, the HD Spikers are eager to strike back at their fiercest challenger.

A win tonight would not only avenge their earlier loss but also earn them a share of the lead and a potential claim to the No. 1 seed heading into the semifinals.

With so much at stake, expect nothing less than a thrilling, high-octane battle between two of the league’s best.

"Against Cignal, we're going to review our last game against them, we'll study it again because that's important. We can't just rely on our talent. Cignal is a formidable team, so we can't afford to relax when playing against them," Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa said.