Cignal dug deep to fend off a resilient Savouge squad, escaping with a thrilling 27-25, 20-25, 28-30, 25-22, 15-13 victory in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Wednesday, March 12.

The intense battle, which lasted two hours and 15 minutes, saw the HD Spikers rally from a three-point deficit and capitalize on Savouge’s crucial service errors in the final stretch.

With the win, Cignal improved to 6-1, while Savouge suffered its third loss in seven matches.

“I shuffled the lineup and rotated players. Those who were eager to play, especially Martin (Bugaoan) and (Vince Abrot), performed very well tonight,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.

Rotter, Bugaoan lift Cignal to victory

Steven Rotter, who sat out the first two sets, made an immediate impact in the fifth, delivering three consecutive aces to erase a 2-6 deficit.

Martin Bugaoan then unleashed three straight quick attacks, giving Cignal a 9-8 lead—one they never relinquished.

Despite a fightback from Mark Calado and Madz Gampong, costly service errors from Hero Austria and Giles Torres handed the HD Spikers the win.

Cignal captain Wendel Miguel led the charge with 18 points, 12 excellent receptions, and four digs. Bugaoan added 13 points, while JP Bugaoan and Abrot each contributed 10 points. Rotter finished with 10 points and four aces despite playing only three sets.

Calado dropped a match-high 25 points, while Gampong had 21 points for Savouge. Shawie Caritativo, celebrating his birthday, delivered 19 points and 26 receptions, but his efforts fell short.

Savouge will try to bounce back against Alpha Insurance tomorrow, while Cignal braces for a showdown with unbeaten Criss Cross on Friday at 6 p.m.

Criss Cross sweeps VNS-Laticrete to stay perfect

Criss Cross King Crunchers extended their unbeaten streak to 7-0, dismantling VNS-Laticrete Griffins with a 25-12, 25-18, 25-22 sweep.

The league leaders dominated the first two sets before holding off a late rally from the Griffins. With the victory, Criss Cross secured a semifinal berth in the tournament.

Polvorosa sets the tone for Criss Cross

Setter Ish Polvorosa continued his stellar play, delivering 19 excellent sets and four points, including three aces.

“Nung third set, lumabas yung konting complacency namin. Dapat every time we step on the court, one hundred percent dapat,” said Polvorosa.

Jude Garcia led Criss Cross with 11 points, seven receptions, and six digs, while Nico Almendras (10 points), Chu Njigha (9 points), and Jaron Requinton (9 points) powered the attack.

VNS dropped to 1-6, with CJ Segui (12 points, 11 digs), Rash Nursiddik (9 points), and KC Culabat (8 points) leading the effort.

Criss Cross will put its perfect record on the line against defending champion Cignal on Friday at 6 p.m.

Alpha Insurance edges PGJC-Navy for second win

Alpha Insurance Protectors strengthened their semifinal hopes with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-23 victory over PGJC-Navy at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

With the return of key players Edward Camposano, Vincent Nadera, and JJ Javelona, the Protectors climbed to 2-5, overtaking Navy in the standings.

Camposano led Alpha Insurance with 17 points and 12 receptions, while Nadera (14 points) and Javelona (10 points, 12 receptions) provided support. Setter JM Apolinario dished out 21 excellent sets.

For Navy, John Ashley Jacob finished with 17 points, while Peter Quiel (11 points) and Edsel Menoncia (9 points) chipped in.

Alpha Insurance will face Savouge next, while Navy battles VNS in a battle of struggling teams.