![The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals officially begin today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, where four teams will battle in a single round-robin format to determine who earns a ticket to the finals. Beyond physical endurance, this stage of the tournament will test each team’s tactical depth. Coaches will introduce new strategies to outplay their opponents, making every set a chess match on the court. Criss Cross vs. Savouge: A chance to prove dominance Criss Cross enters the semifinals riding a wave of confidence after dominating the double round-robin eliminations. However, despite their strong performance, they remain wary of a hungry Savouge squad looking to break through and make a statement. Meanwhile, the King Crunchers aim to extend their winning streak while proving their dominance over Savouge. In their previous encounters, the Spin Doctors took early leads but failed to close out matches against the Crunchers. This time, Savouge is determined to turn the tables in their 3:30 p.m. showdown. "We’ll train harder and prepare for every opponent in the semifinals. There’s no room to relax," said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon. To pull off an upset, Savouge will rely on standout performances from Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and Madz Gampong to challenge the powerhouse King Crunchers, led by reigning MVP Jude Garcia, rising star Jaron Requinton, and the ever-reliable Nico Almendras. Criss Cross eyes redemption, Cignal aims for a title comeback For Criss Cross, this semifinal round is about redemption after falling short in last year’s Invitational and Open Conferences, both times against Cignal HD Spikers. On the other hand, Cignal is eager to reclaim its championship form after an up-and-down performance in the eliminations. They will take on the VNS-Latréotec Griffins, a young but dangerous squad making its first semifinal appearance since 2022. Cignal will depend on the leadership and firepower of Steven Rotter, Wendel Miguel, and Martin Bugaoan, who must step up to restore the team’s rhythm. "We’re locked in on the semifinals. Every point, every set, every game matters. It’s a round-robin format, and we’re back to zero – winning as much as possible is the goal," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor. The Griffins, however, are determined to shake up the competition. With CJ Segui, KC Culabat, and Rash Nursiddik leading the charge, they are looking to prove that they belong among the league’s best. With each match carrying significant weight, the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals promise an unpredictable and thrilling battle for supremacy. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-CKC-vs.-CHD-Jaron-Requinton-1221-400x200.jpg)
The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals begin today at the Ynares Sports Arena, with teams battling in a single round-robin format. Every kill, dig, and save will be crucial as the road to the finals unfolds.
![Bernadeth Pons led all scorers with 18 points in a well-rounded performance. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-25-Creamline-vs.-Chery-Tiggo-Bernadeth-Pons-1293-400x200.jpg)
Creamline leaned on its experience and bench depth to rally past Chery Tiggo in four sets, securing a 17th straight PVL semifinal appearance.
![Brooke Van Sickle led the charge with 17 points in a dominant Petro Gazz win. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-25-Zus-vs.-Petrogazz-Brooke-Van-Sickle-0464-400x200.jpg)
After a tough Game 1 loss, Petro Gazz bounced back with a dominant victory over ZUS Coffee, setting up a winner-take-all battle for a semifinal spot.
The V-League is expanding its reach with the launch of V-League Visayas, featuring top collegiate teams from Cebu. The tournament aims to strengthen the sport in the region, providing more opportunities for young volleyball talents.
Guillermo Paredes, FIVB Rules and Refereeing Commission president, is leading a five-day refresher course for 34 referees in preparation for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines.
![Grethcel Soltones leads Akari’s attack as they battle past a tough Galeries Tower squad. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-25-Akari-vs.-Galeries-Grethcel-Soltones-9878-400x200.jpg)
Akari battled past a resilient Galeries Tower in a five-set thriller, securing a spot in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals with a hard-fought 19-25, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 15-12 victory.
![Choco Mucho players celebrate their hard-fought win to advance to the PVL semifinals. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-25-Choco-Mucho-vs.-PLDT-8301-400x200.jpg)
Choco Mucho secured a semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after outlasting PLDT in a dramatic five-set battle at the Philsports Arena.
![Chumason Njigha [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Navy-vs.-Criss-Cross-Chumason-Njigha-7521-400x200.jpg)
Savouge, Criss Cross, and Cignal secured victories to close out the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference eliminations, gaining momentum heading into the round-robin semifinals. Savouge swept VNS-Laticrete, Criss Cross dominated PGJC-Navy, and Cignal powered past Alpha Insurance to round out the Final Four.
![Jude Garcia leads Criss Cross as they aim for a double-round sweep against PGJC Navy [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Criss-Cross-vs.-Savouge-Jude-Garcia-8592-400x200.jpg)
Criss Cross looks to complete a perfect double-round sweep in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, facing PGJC Navy in their final elimination round match today, March 19, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
![Michelle Gamit earns best player of the game honors after leading ZUS Coffee to a historic win [PVL photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-25-Zus-vs.-Petro-Gazz-Mich-Gamit-6191-400x200.jpg)
ZUS Coffee pulled off a stunning upset over Petro Gazz, winning 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 to take a 1-0 lead in the PVL quarterfinals. The Thunderbelles are now on the brink of a historic semifinal appearance.