![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.
![Requinton's stellar play earns him the Spikers’ Turf Player of the Week honors. [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ST-2025-CKC-v-VNS-Jaron-Requinton1-400x200.jpg)
Jaron Requinton has gone from a temporary starter to a vital part of Criss Cross’ unbeaten run in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. His dominant performances helped secure crucial wins over Cignal and Savouge, earning him Player of the Week honors.
![Jau Umandal’s elite efficiency keeps Cignal on top of the competition [Spikers' Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Spiker-Turf-Open-Conference-2025-Cignal-vs-Savouge-Jau-Umandal-21-400x200.jpg)
Cignal’s Jau Umandal earns Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week honors after stellar performances in the 2025 Open Conference. The HD Spikers remain dominant as Umandal continues to push for excellence.
![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.
![Jude Garcia [Spikers Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-2024-Final-Cignal-vs.-Criss-Cross-Jude-Garcia-6121-400x200.jpg)
The 2024 Spikers’ Turf season celebrated rising stars and thrilling matches, with Jude Garcia and Louie Ramirez dominating the spotlight. As the league wraps up another successful year, its focus shifts to supporting the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
![Louie Ramirez [Spikers' Turf photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-2024-Cignal-vs.-FEU-Louie-Ramirez-3537-400x200.jpg)
The HD Spikers showcased power and precision, defeating the Ultras in straight sets to extend their win streak and inch closer to the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference finals.
![Louie Ramirez leads Cignal HD Spikers to a powerful 3-set victory over Savouge in the semifinal opener. [Spikers' Turf images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ST-INV-2024-Cignal-vs.-Savouge-Louie-Ramirez-5589-400x200.jpg)
The Cignal HD Spikers secured a dominant straight-set win over Savouge, avenging their earlier loss and taking a 1-0 lead in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals.
![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.
![EcoOil La Salle battles it out in a tightly contested third set against Criss Cross. [Spikers' Turf images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Spiker-Turf-Invitational-2024-Criss-Cross-vs-DLSU-EcoOil-41-Menard-Guerrero-2-400x200.jpg)
The Criss Cross King Crunchers clinched their fourth straight win, defeating the EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers to boost their semifinal hopes in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.