![Jude Garcia celebrates a point during Criss Cross’ five-set win against Cignal. [Spikers Turf images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ST-INV-25-Criss-Cross-vs.-Cignal-Jude-Garcia-9941-400x200.jpg)
Criss Cross overcame defending champion Cignal in a five-set showdown to start the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals with a victory at the Araneta Coliseum.
![Kim Dy and Mika Reyes team up at the net to deny a Kobe Shinwa attack. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PVL-INV-25-PLDT-vs.-Kobe-Shinwa-Kianna-Dy-0700-400x200.jpg)
The PLDT High Speed Hitters proved their rise is no fluke, outlasting Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University in four sets to clinch the PVL Invitational crown and secure their second straight championship.
![Nagisa Komatsuda led with 21 points and solid reception for Kobe Shinwa. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PVL-INV-25-Cignal-vs.-Kobe-Shinwa-Nagisa-Komatsuda-9686-400x200.jpg)
Kobe Shinwa survived Cignal’s late surge, escaping with a 25-7, 25-18, 19-25, 27-25 win to stay in PVL Invitational semifinal contention.