![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.
![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.
![JP Bugaoan [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Cignal-vs.-Navy-JP-Bugaoan-7829-400x200.jpg)
The Spikers’ Turf Open Conference saw intense action as VNS-Laticrete, Cignal, and Criss Cross pulled off key victories to strengthen their bids ahead of the semifinals. VNS battled back to defeat Alpha Insurance, Cignal dominated PGJC-Navy, and Criss Cross outlasted Savouge in a five-set thriller, keeping their unbeaten run alive.
![Libero Manuel Sumanguid anchors the defense with outstanding digs and receptions. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-CKC-vs.-CHD-Manuel-Sumanguid-1342-400x200.jpg)
Criss Cross delivered a powerful performance against defending champion Cignal, securing a dominant four-set victory to remain unbeaten in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
![Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor emphasizes the importance of consistency as his team faces tough back-to-back matches. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Cignal-vs.-VNS-Dexter-Clamor-6612-400x200.jpg)
Defending champion Cignal aims to build on its momentum with a rematch victory over Savouge, while unbeaten Criss Cross seeks its seventh consecutive win against VNS-Laticrete in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
![Criss Cross remains unbeaten at 6-0 heading into their second-round matchup against VNS-Laticrete. [Spikers' Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Criss-Cross-vs.-Alpha-Insurance-Rex-Intal-6439-400x200.jpg)
Criss Cross maintained its dominant form in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, sweeping Alpha Insurance in straight sets to remain unbeaten at 6-0. Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton powered the King Crunchers to another commanding victory.
![Spikers’ Turf second round intensifies as teams fight for playoff spots. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Criss-Cross-vs.-Cignal-Steve-Rotter-Jude-Garcia-6057-400x200.jpg)
Fresh off a stunning sweep of defending champion Cignal, Criss Cross looks to extend its perfect run as the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference resumes today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The King Crunchers take on Alpha Insurance, while Cignal aims to bounce back against VNS-Laticrete.
![Vanie Gandler powers Cignal past Capital1 with a stellar 21-point performance. [PVL photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PVL-AFC-24-Cignal-vs.-Capital1-Vanie-Gandler-7327-400x200.jpg)
Cignal bounced back from a tough loss with a composed 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15 victory over Capital1 in the PVL Play-In tournament. Vanie Gandler led the charge as the HD Spikers took control of Pool A in their quest for a quarterfinal berth.
![Jude Garcia leads Criss Cross with 19 points as they take down the defending champions. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Criss-Cross-vs.-Cignal-Jude-Garcia-6059-400x200.jpg)
Criss Cross dismantled defending champions Cignal in a dominant straight-set victory (25-23, 25-21, 25-17) to take sole possession of first place in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance secured its first win, sweeping PGJC-Navy, while Savouge rebounded with a straight-set win over VNS-Laticrete.
![Rotter’s stellar week earns him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-Cignal-vs.-VNS-Steve-Rotter-8701-400x200.jpg)
Filipino-American spiker Steve Rotter continues to dominate for Cignal, earning Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week honors after delivering consistent performances in back-to-back wins.