Criss Cross, Cignal kick off title showdown

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as powerhouse Cignal and Criss Cross clash in Game 1 of the best-of-three Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals series today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

While Cignal has dominated their finals encounters in the past, this year’s script may unfold differently. Criss Cross enters the 6 p.m. match with undeniable momentum, having swept the eliminations and semifinals while also defeating the defending champion in all three of their previous matchups this conference.

But the HD Spikers carry the weight of history, having triumphed over the King Crunchers in their last two championship meetings.

Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa, a key figure in the team’s dominant 13-game run, acknowledges their underdog status but believes this is their best opportunity to finally dethrone the defending champions.

“There’s pressure on both sides, but I still see us as the underdogs. We didn’t win against them last year, so this is our chance to grab the championship, especially given how well we’ve played this conference,” Polvorosa said in Filipino.

With Polvorosa leading the charge, expect reigning Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, Nico Almendras and Marck Espejo to go all out as Criss Cross seeks a breakthrough victory in what promises to be an intense finals series.

“We have faith in each other and the courage to fight for the championship this time. We know Cignal won’t go down without a fight, so we’re preparing thoroughly for this battle,” Polvorosa added.

On the other side, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor is focused on resetting his team’s mindset after their earlier losses to Criss Cross. He believes that championship experience and composure will be crucial as they aim to defend their title.

“We’re a champion team — a defending champion. So, the team knows how important this finals series is,” Clamor said.

“We’re not dwelling on our previous losses. Our focus is on the finals and winning when it matters most.”

Cignal will rely on its battle-tested core, with Steven Rotter, Louie Ramirez, JP Bugaoan, Jau Umandal and Owa Retamar expected to step up in this high-stakes matchup.

Meanwhile, in the battle for third place, Savouge aims to reaffirm its dominance over VNS-Laticrete and secure a second consecutive bronze finish.

Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and Giles Torres will lead Savouge, while CJ Segui, KC Culabat, and Rash Nursiddik spearhead VNS in what also looms as another fierce contest at 3:30 p.m.