MANILA — Cignal and Criss Cross are both one win away from a third Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals appearance as they clash with separate opponents in the semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday.
Cignal faces Savouge at 6 p.m., while Criss Cross meets VNS Laticrete at 3:30 p.m. Both teams are aiming for another title showdown.
The HD Spikers, led by Louie Ramirez, Wendel Miguel, Steven Rotter, John Mark Ronquillo, and skipper John Paul Bugaoan, are coming off a dominant 25-13, 25-16, 25-16 win over VNS Laticrete in the previous round.
Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor remains confident despite the intense schedule. “We’re coming into this game with great confidence. Resting before facing Savouge will help us maintain our momentum,” he said. The Spin Doctors will lean on Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and Madz Gampong to keep their finals hopes alive.
On the other hand, Criss Cross, led by reigning MVP Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, Nico Almendras, and Marck Espejo, aims to extend its 12-game winning streak. “We’re not underestimating VNS. We know they’ll give their all, so we have to match their effort and stay focused,” said Garcia, who scored 12 points in the previous match.
VNS, with leaders Charles Jordan Segui, Kenneth Culabat, and Rash Nursiddik, will try to rebound after their loss to Criss Cross.
Both teams are eager to make it to the finals for a third time, and the semifinals are set to be intense.
ia/mnm
