Criss Cross, Cignal battle for finals glory in Spikers’ Turf semis

The Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals are heating up as Criss Cross and Cignal face separate opponents Wednesday, December 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena. Both teams are on a mission to secure their spots in the finals, promising an action-packed day for volleyball fans.

King Crunchers Eye Perfect Semis Record
Riding high after a four-set victory over the Cignal HD Spikers, the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers are one win away from advancing to their second consecutive finals. At 4 p.m., they take on the Savouge Spin Doctors, a team eager to pull off an upset after bouncing back with a straight-set win against Kondohgumi Hyogo last week.

Jude Garcia in action during Criss Cross' semifinal clash against Cignal. [photo credit: Spikers' Turf images] — Jude Garcia in action during Criss Cross’ semifinal clash against Cignal. [photo credit: Spikers’ Turf images]

Jude Garcia, the reigning Open Conference MVP, leads Criss Cross alongside key players Ysay Marasigan, Nico Almendras, Gian Glorioso, and Kim Malabunga. Despite their recent win, Garcia stressed the importance of staying focused, saying, “We have to work hard every game and every point. It all starts with training.”

Cignal Looks to Bounce Back
At 6 p.m., the Cignal HD Spikers face Kondohgumi Hyogo, who remain winless in the semifinals. Louie Ramirez, JP Bugaoan, Lloyd Josafat, Mark Calado, and Wendel Miguel headline a powerhouse Cignal roster determined to recover from Sunday’s loss to Criss Cross.

Louie Ramirez [Spikers' Turf Images] — Louie Ramirez [Spikers’ Turf Images]

Head coach Dexter Clamor knows the importance of this match, as a win could set up a thrilling finals rematch against Criss Cross. Fans recall their last championship face-off in May, where the HD Spikers swept the King Crunchers in a best-of-three series.

Spin Doctors’ Last Stand
The Savouge Spin Doctors, coached by Sydney Calderon, need a flawless performance to keep their finals hopes alive. Calderon emphasized improving their offensive consistency and blocking, noting, “We’re receiving well but struggling to convert. Our blocking also needs work.”

The Road to Glory
Fans eagerly anticipate a high-stakes finals showdown at the Philsports Arena this Sunday. This year, the championship will be decided in a one-game knockout match, raising the tension and excitement.

With top-tier players, intense matchups, and championship dreams on the line, the Spikers’ Turf semifinals promise an unforgettable day for volleyball enthusiasts.