Cignal HD Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game against Criss Cross King Crunchers. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Criss Cross and Cignal clash for Spikers’ Turf supremacy for the second straight time this year in the winner-take-all Invitational Conference final on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
Criss Cross earned its second consecutive Spikers’ Turf championship ticket after beating Savouge, 25-22, 22-25, 26-24, 25-13, to stay unbeaten in three games in the semifinals round on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Arena.
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Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia led the King Crunchers’ balanced attack with 20 points to overcome a second-set defeat and withstand a tight third frame before dominating the fourth to eliminate the Spin Doctors, led by Shawie Caritativo, from finals contention.
Nico Almendras also shone on both ends with 13 points, 19 excellent receptions, and five digs. Team captain Marasigan also scored 13 including 10 attacks, while Gian Glorioso drilled six blocks to finish with 12 points.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Jude Garcia’s consistency key for Criss Cross
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“We’re so blessed,” said Marasigan. “Everything we worked for over the past few months has led us here. We’re back in the finals, and we’ll give it our best shot.”
“All the work we’ve put in during training showed today. Everyone who came in delivered,” he added.
Savouge banked on Caritativo’s 25-point explosion only to give up 32 errors in the game. Norwel Sanama added 13 points as they will be relegated in the bronze medal game against DN Steel FEU.
It will be Criss Cross’ shot at redemption after losing to Cignal in its first-ever finals appearance.
Cignal HD Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game against Criss Cross King Crunchers. –PVL PHOTO
Cignal, though, is facing a better Criss Cross squad after the latter prevailed in four sets in their rivalry game last Sunday.
Licking the wounds of their lone semifinal loss, the HD Spikers vented their ire on the Japanese team Kondohgumi Hyogo, 25-11, 25-8, 25-18, for a chance to sweep the 2024 season.
“By the time we played our game against Criss Cross, everyone was already exhausted. But that game was more about the mind. The mind has to be stronger than the body. So, even if the body is tired, the mind and heart should work harder,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor, whose team finished the semis with a 3-1 record.
Jau Umandal powered Cignal with 16 points on 15 attacks. Martin Bugaoan chipped in eight points, while Cian Silang tossed 10 excellent sets.
Despite suffering their third consecutive straight-set loss, Kondohgumi Hyogo gained valuable experience competing against the country’s top teams. The Japanese team expressed gratitude for the opportunity, cherishing their brief but meaningful stint in the tournament.
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Kaito Onomichi and Takata Akamatu finished with five markers each for the young Japanese side.
