Cignal and Criss Cross are on the cusp of another Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals showdown as both teams look to secure their third straight championship appearance with wins in today’s semifinal matches at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Coming off dominant victories in their semifinal openers, the HD Spikers and King Crunchers need just one more win to set up the highly anticipated rematch. However, they remain wary of their opponents, VNS and Savouge, both eager to keep their championship dreams alive.

Cignal Faces Hungry Savouge Squad

Fresh off a 25-13, 25-16, 25-15 sweep of VNS, Cignal is bracing for a tougher test against a Savouge team looking to rebound from a straight-set loss to Criss Cross.

Despite the setback, Savouge showed its resilience in the double-round eliminations, pushing Criss Cross to two five-set thrillers. Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor expects Savouge to come out strong.

“I know they’re feeling down after losing in straight sets to Criss Cross, but for us, we’re coming into this game with great confidence. I hope we can maintain our morale and carry that momentum from the very start,” Clamor said.

Clamor has relied on his core trio of Steven Rotter, Louie Ramirez, and Wendel Miguel throughout the tournament and is expected to stick with them in this crucial encounter.

On the other hand, Savouge will bank on Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and Madz Gampong to keep their finals hopes alive. In their last meeting with Cignal on March 12, Savouge held a 2-1 set lead before the HD Spikers mounted a comeback to take a five-set victory. This time, Savouge aims to close the deal and force a decisive match.

Criss Cross Looks to Extend Unbeaten Run Against VNS

At 3:30 p.m., Criss Cross aims to continue its dominance when it faces VNS in the other semifinal duel. The King Crunchers extended their winning streak to 12 games after sweeping Savouge and are determined to keep their perfect record intact.

With the return of Marck Espejo, Criss Cross has become an even bigger threat. Espejo, together with reigning MVP Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, and Nico Almendras, has turned the Crunchers into an offensive powerhouse.

However, Garcia knows that VNS will put up a fight.

“We’re not underestimating them at all. They worked hard to get to the semifinals, and we know they will give everything they have. That means we have to match their effort and give our 100 percent,” Garcia said.

VNS will rely on CJ Segui, KC Culabat, and Rash Nursiddik to try and extend their tournament run. With nothing to lose, the Griffins will be playing with high energy in hopes of pulling off an upset.