![Savouge and PGJC-Navy hope to break through and challenge the favorites. [PVL Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/savouge3-400x200.jpg)
Local coaches predict the tightest Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference yet, with Cignal and Criss Cross facing stronger, retooled squads ready to end their Finals dominance.
![The Cignal HD Spikers are on the brink of their ninth title, but Criss Cross is ready to fight back. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ST-2025-Finals-Criss-Cross-vs.-Cignal-Steven-Rotter-9757-400x200.jpg)
Cignal’s championship experience shines through as the HD Spikers stand just one game away from clinching their ninth Spikers’ Turf title after their dramatic Game 1 win against Criss Cross. With Game 2 of the finals set for tonight, Cignal is determined to finish strong, but Criss Cross has the talent and resilience to mount a fierce challenge.
![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.
![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.
![Criss Cross looks to keep its momentum going in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. [Spikers' Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Spiker-Turf-Open-Conference-2025-Alpha-vs-Criss-Cross-Jaron-Requinton-400x200.jpg)
Cignal and Criss Cross look to stay unbeaten as they take on separate opponents in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at Ynares Sports Arena.
![Steven Rotter of the Cignal HD Spikers [photo credit: Spikers' Turf]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ST-2025-Alpha-vs.-Cignal-Steven-Rotter-7537-400x200.jpg)
The Cignal HD Spikers and Criss Cross delivered dominant performances in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference opener, overcoming stiff challenges to secure straight-set victories.
Criss Cross and Cignal clash in the ultimate rematch for the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown tonight at Philsports Arena. Can the King Crunchers overcome the HD Spikers’ championship pedigree?
![Gian Glorioso of Criss Cross [Spikers Turf images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-2024-Criss-Cross-vs.-Savouge-Gian-Glorioso-0512-400x200.jpg)
As the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinal round concludes, the King Crunchers aim to sustain their dominance ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated championship showdown with the HD Spikers.
![Eyes on the prize! The King Crunchers are ready to conquer the semifinals [Spikers' Turf images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-24-Criss-Cross-vs.-Savouge-Jude-Garcia-2242-400x200.jpg)
The Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals open with intense showdowns as DN Steel FEU faces Criss Cross, and Cignal clashes with Savouge at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
![Nico Almendras shines with 19 points in a key win for Criss Cross. [Spikers' Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-24-Criss-Cross-vs.-Savouge-Nico-Almendras-2207-400x200.jpg)
The King Crunchers secured the top seed in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals after a dominant win over Savouge, finishing the eliminations with a six-game winning streak.