All tied up: Criss Cross and Cignal face off in winner-take-all Game 3

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The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals comes down to one final clash. After two heart-stopping matches, the Criss Cross King Crunchers and the Cignal HD Spikers are ready for the ultimate showdown in Game 3 at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Philsports Arena.

Cignal struck first in the series, rallying from a 1-2 set deficit in Game 1 to edge Criss Cross in a tense five-setter, sealing the deal with a 15-12 decision in the final frame.

But Criss Cross was far from done. In Game 2, the King Crunchers appeared on course for a sweep before Cignal pushed back to force a fifth set. Still, Criss Cross surged when it mattered most, rallying from a 4-7 hole in the decider and finishing with an 11-5 burst to force the all-important rubber match.

The contrast was vivid: celebration from Criss Cross fans, stunned silence from the Cignal faithful.

Criss Cross’s Jaron Requinton [Spikers Turf photo]

Now, all eyes are on this do-or-die battle. Cignal is gunning for a third consecutive title and a record-extending ninth championship overall. Criss Cross, on the other hand, is aiming to finally break through and clinch its first-ever title in franchise history.

Momentum appears to favor Criss Cross, especially with standout Jaron Requinton rising to the occasion in Game 2. His clutch play and mental poise fueled their comeback. With MVP Jude Garcia and veteran Marck Espejo by his side, Criss Cross has all the tools for a championship push.

“We really need to be mentally strong to fight off the doubts and overthinking that creep into our minds,” said Requinton. “If we lose a point, we need to forget about it immediately and move on to the next one. That’s the biggest adjustment we’ll make.”

But the HD Spikers have been here before. They know what it takes to finish the job. Jau Umandal continues to lead their scoring charge, Steven Rotter provides crucial offensive bursts, and JP Bugaoan anchors a disciplined defensive setup.

“It’s all or nothing,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. “This game will become history. We’ll give it our best.”

Cignal is banking on experience. Criss Cross is powered by hunger and belief. With pride, legacy, and destiny hanging in the balance, the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals Game 3 promises to be a war for the ages.

One will rise. One will fall. Only one will be champion.