When it mattered most, the Cignal HD Spikers proved why they remain the gold standard in Spikers’ Turf. With ice in their veins and a fire in their game, Cignal delivered a championship masterclass, sweeping the Criss Cross King Crunchers, 25-22, 25-16, 28-26, in Game 3 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals on Sunday, April 6.

The emphatic win sealed Cignal’s ninth title, extending their dynasty and asserting dominance over a Criss Cross team that faltered when the stakes were highest.

After splitting the first two games, both squads entered the decider carrying different energies—Cignal with experience, and Criss Cross with momentum. But when the lights were brightest, the veterans stepped up. Louie Ramirez and Steven Rotter led the charge with 15 points apiece, while Cignal’s net defense shut down Criss Cross’ vaunted offense.

The third set epitomized Cignal’s championship DNA. Down 20-23, Coach Dexter Clamor turned to Jau Umandal, who answered with clutch hits and a game-saving block. Tied at 23, Cignal staved off three set points before Rotter and Owa Retamar combined for the final dagger.

Criss Cross, who swept their way into the finals and had seemed destined for the crown, were exposed in Game 3—tentative, outclassed, and mentally overwhelmed. Despite powerful names like Marck Espejo, Jude Garcia, and Jaron Requinton, they couldn’t keep up with Cignal’s composure and grit.

Cignal outplayed Criss Cross in every major department: attacks (45–37), blocks (13–9), and even service aces (3–0). The HD Spikers’ defense silenced Criss Cross’ top guns—Garcia was limited to 12 points, while Espejo and Njigha were held to six apiece.

As the final point landed and white confetti poured from the rafters, it was fitting that Ramirez, who had struggled earlier in the season, was named Best Player of the Game. His redemption performance reflected the team’s never-say-die spirit.

“I told myself I had to give it everything in the finals,” said Ramirez. “This was my chance to make up for all my lapses, and I’m proud of how we fought.”

For Criss Cross, it was yet another heartbreak against the league’s most successful franchise—three straight finals losses to the same rival.

But for Cignal, it was sweet, satisfying vindication—proof that dynasties aren’t built overnight, but forged through resilience, trust, and the will to outlast every challenger.