Spikers’ Turf: VNS, Cignal, and Criss Cross secure crucial wins as semifinals near

The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference delivered another action-packed set of matches as VNS-Laticrete, Cignal, and Criss Cross pulled off crucial victories on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

VNS rallied past Alpha Insurance in a four-set battle, Cignal crushed PGJC-Navy, and Criss Cross edged Savouge in a five-set thriller, keeping their perfect record intact.

With the semifinals approaching, teams are jockeying for position, making every win even more important.

CJ Segui leads VNS with a strong two-way performance in their win over Alpha Insurance. [Spikers Turf photo]

VNS overcomes early struggles, outlasts Alpha Insurance

After losing the first set, VNS-Laticrete regrouped and pulled off a hard-fought 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 win over Alpha Insurance.

Key Performers:

CJ Segui: 22 points, 19 receptions, 9 digs
Jayvee Sumagaysay: 12 points
Bryan Jaleco: 9 points, 3 kill blocks

“It’s always a battle of experience, and sometimes experience really prevails,” said VNS coach Ralph Ocampo.

Despite trailing in the second set, VNS turned the game around, with Segui stepping up in crunch time. The Griffins kept their semifinal hopes alive while Alpha Insurance fell to 2-7.

Cignal’s Louie Ramirez bounces back with a dominant outing against PGJC-Navy. [Spikers Turf photo]

Cignal bounces back, dominates PGJC-Navy

Following a tough loss to Criss Cross, the Cignal HD Spikers came back strong, sweeping PGJC-Navy 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 in just 74 minutes.

Key Performers:

Louie Ramirez: 16 points, 9 receptions
Steven Rotter: 9 points
Vince Abrot: 9 points

Coach Dexter Clamor emphasized the importance of this bounce-back win after their previous setback.

“We had to remind the players that the league isn’t over yet. We still have a shot at redemption,” said Clamor.

Cignal will now face Alpha Insurance in their final elimination match before heading into the semifinals.

Criss Cross survives Savouge in five-set thriller

In the most intense match of the day, Criss Cross kept their undefeated record intact, overcoming Mark Calado’s 36-point explosion to edge Savouge 20-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-19, 15-11.

Key Performers:

Jude Garcia: 27 points, 11 receptions
Jaron Requinton: 22 points, 5 blocks
Gian Glorioso: 12 points, 4 kill blocks

Despite losing the third set after blowing set points, Criss Cross found a way to win, using their defensive strength to shut down Savouge in the decider.

“We never give up, no matter the deficit. Everyone who steps in shows eagerness to win,” said Garcia, who earned Best Player of the Game honors.

With the win, Criss Cross improved to 9-0, moving one step closer to sweeping the eliminations.