The 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference delivered another action-packed weekend, headlined by PGJC Navy’s nail-biting five-set triumph over VNS-Laticrete, along with dominant victories from title contenders Cignal and Criss Cross.

PGJC Navy Survives VNS Rally in Five-Set Thriller

The PGJC Navy Sealions squandered a two-set lead but staged a dramatic comeback in the decisive fifth frame to edge VNS-Laticrete, 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25, 17-15, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Greg Dolor sealed the victory with a clutch back-row attack that clipped the net and found an open spot, sending the Sealions into celebration while crushing the Griffins’ hopes of a comeback.

Despite missing key spiker Joeven Dela Vega due to illness, PGJC Navy showed resilience after VNS rallied to a 12-10 lead in the fifth. Dolor led a 5-1 run for a 10-5 advantage, but CJ Segui sparked a 7-0 VNS surge to flip the script.

With the Griffins at match point, a costly service error by Howard Guerra allowed Navy to stay alive. John Ashley Jacob’s crucial block and Dolor’s game-winning strike sealed the two-hour, 25-minute battle.

“This was a test of character. The team that truly wants to win will prevail,” said head coach George Pascua.

Dolor spearheaded Navy’s charge with 25 points, while Jacob added 15 markers. On the other side, Segui’s 26-point explosion wasn’t enough to lift VNS, which remained winless in two games.

PGJC Navy (1-1) will next face Criss Cross, while VNS (0-2) takes on Cignal.

Cignal Overcomes Savouge to Stay Unbeaten

Defending champion Cignal absorbed Savouge’s best punches but emerged victorious, 25-23, 27-25, 25-19, to remain undefeated.

After escaping two tight opening sets, the HD Spikers finished strong with a 4-0 closing run in the third. Jau Umandal led the charge with 17 points, while Steven Rotter and Wendel Miguel added 11 each.

“We committed a lot of errors, especially in our service, so we need to fix that,” said head coach Dexter Clamor.

Cignal (2-0) will battle the struggling VNS Griffins next, while Savouge (1-1) takes on Alpha Insurance.

Criss Cross Crushes Alpha Insurance for Second Straight Win

Criss Cross matched Cignal’s unbeaten start with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-21 victory over Alpha Insurance, led by Kim Malabunga’s 17-point explosion.

The King Crunchers controlled the tempo throughout, with Jaron Requinton delivering in the clutch to prevent an Alpha Insurance comeback. Jude Garcia added 13 points and 13 excellent receptions.

Criss Cross (2-0) now braces for a crucial showdown against PGJC Navy, while Alpha Insurance (0-2) seeks its first win against Savouge.