Criss Cross and Cignal HD Spikers imposed their dominance in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals, dispatching their respective opponents in straight sets on Sunday, March 23, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

With Marck Espejo back in action, Criss Cross stormed past Savouge, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, to extend its unbeaten streak to 11 matches and gain an early edge in the single round-robin Final Four. Meanwhile, defending champions Cignal crushed VNS-Laticrete, 25-13, 25-16, 25-15, in a clinical display that lasted only 73 minutes.

Criss Cross dominates with defense and balance

What was expected to be a tightly contested battle turned into a one-sided affair, as the King Crunchers overwhelmed Savouge with their defensive intensity and offensive firepower. Having been pushed to five sets in their previous encounters, Criss Cross made sure there was no repeat, controlling the match from start to finish.

Jude Garcia led a well-balanced attack with 12 points, while Nico Almendras delivered 11 points along with 16 excellent receptions. Espejo, fresh from his stint in Japan’s V.League, played limited minutes but still managed five points in his return.

“We really focused on our defense because it was clear that Savouge had been preparing for us,” Garcia said in Filipino. “We worked hard for every point, and we got the win.”

Kim Malabunga and Jaron Requinton contributed eight points each, while Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets. Manuel Sumanguid anchored the floor defense with eight digs and 10 receptions.

Criss Cross will try to extend its winning streak to 12 against VNS-Laticrete on Wednesday, before a highly anticipated rematch against arch-rival Cignal HD Spikers on Sunday.

Cignal sweeps VNS-Laticrete in 73 minutes

Cignal showed why it remains the team to beat in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, dismantling VNS-Laticrete with a dominant performance. The HD Spikers overpowered the young Griffins in all facets, producing 42 attacks, 10 kill blocks, and six service aces while limiting their opponents to just 19 attacks.

Louie Ramirez led the way with 13 points, including 12 kills, while JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel added 10 points each. Setter Owa Retamar distributed the ball effectively with 19 excellent sets, also scoring five points.

“At this stage, we need to polish our weaknesses. Our focus should be on analyzing how our opponents perform against us,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.

The HD Spikers are now looking forward to a rematch with Criss Cross next Sunday, eager to avenge their two preliminary-round defeats. Before that, they face Savouge on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, VNS-Laticrete struggled to find its rhythm, converting just 19 of 79 attack attempts. Top scorer CJ Segui was limited to six points, while KC Culabat and Jayvee Sumagaysay added five and four, respectively. They will try to bounce back against Criss Cross at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

With the semifinals heating up, all eyes are on the potential blockbuster showdown between Criss Cross and Cignal for the championship—a title that slipped away from the King Crunchers last season.