Fresh off a stunning straight-set victory over defending champion Cignal, Criss Cross looks to continue its dominance as the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference resumes today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The King Crunchers ended their first-round campaign at 5-0, dismantling the HD Spikers, 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, in a statement win that broke their struggles against the reigning champions, who had defeated them in two finals last year.

Now riding high on momentum and confidence, Criss Cross faces Alpha Insurance at 1 p.m., determined to maintain its flawless record.

Polvorosa and company staying focused

Leading Criss Cross is Ish Polvorosa, the steady floor general who has orchestrated the team’s offense throughout the tournament. He will set the pace for the high-powered trio of Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, and Nico Almendras, who have been relentless at the net.

Despite their unbeaten start, Polvorosa remains grounded, emphasizing that their early success means nothing without a championship.

“I think we did well in the first round, but there are still things we need to improve on. There are lapses that we shouldn’t be making anymore. I know we can work on those in training,” said Polvorosa in Filipino.

“Just because we swept the first round doesn’t mean that’s it. We have to stay locked in and focused on our goal – winning the championship.”

On the other side, Alpha Insurance is hoping to carry over its recent success after a straight-set win over PGJC Navy Sealions. Vince Nadera, Edward Camposano, and JJ Javelona will lead the Protectors as they try to hand Criss Cross its first loss.

Cignal seeks redemption against VNS-Laticrete

At 3:30 p.m., Cignal HD Spikers will try to bounce back from their humbling defeat against Criss Cross when they take on VNS-Laticrete Griffins.

Wendel Miguel, Jau Umandal, and Steven Rotter will spearhead Cignal’s attack, hoping to correct the third-set breakdown that sealed their loss to the King Crunchers.

For VNS-Laticrete, CJ Segui leads the charge as the Griffins look to improve from their current 1-4 standing, which they share with Alpha Insurance and the Sealions.

Savouge looks to secure third place

In the nightcap at 6 p.m., Savouge Spin Doctors (3-2) will try to tighten their grip on third place as they battle the struggling PGJC Navy Sealions (1-4).

Mark Calado and Sherwin Caritativo will once again lead Savouge, which is eager to climb the rankings as the tournament heats up.

For Navy, the depleted roster continues to struggle after veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, and Marvin Hairami were pulled for training, while ace spiker Joeven Dela Vega was ruled out for the season due to illness.

A high-stakes second round

With Criss Cross surging, Cignal seeking redemption, and teams battling for positioning, the second round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference promises to be filled with high-intensity volleyball action.

Can the King Crunchers keep their unbeaten streak alive? Will Cignal bounce back or suffer another setback? The next phase of the tournament starts today.