Manila: Criss Cross and Cignal are set for a high-stakes showdown in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday. Sporting identical 2-0 records in the single-round semifinals, the King Crunchers and the HD Spikers have already secured their places in the best-of-three finals.
According to Philippines News Agency, Criss Cross will try to complete an elimination and semis sweep against Cignal in their 6:30 p.m. duel. Cignal, on the other hand, seeks a victory to boost its confidence and momentum before the championship series. The HD Spikers beat the King Crunchers in both the Open and Invitational Finals last year.
Cignal's five-time champion head coach, Dexter Clamor, expressed the importance of the upcoming match, stating, "Sunday's game may be non-bearing but we still need to give our best to enter the Finals with high confidence." Clamor is eager for another face-off with former HD Spiker Marck Espejo, who rejoined Criss Cross after his stint in Japan's V-League.
Spearheading the HD Spikers are Steven Rotter, Louie Ramirez, and Wendel Miguel, while Espejo, reigning MVP Jude Garcia, and Nico Almendras will lead the King Crunchers with support from Gian Glorioso, Kim Malabunga, and Jaron Requinto.
Meanwhile, Savouge and VNS-Laticrete will clash at 4 p.m. in a preview of the battle-for-third series. The Spin Doctors will rely on Mark Calado and Shawie Caritativo while the Griffins will bank on CJ Segui and KC Culabat.
