Spikers’ Turf: Cignal claims three-peat, dispatches Criss Cross
Cignal HD Spikers clinch historic three-peat after beating rivals Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Facing the biggest threat in their title reign, Cignal’s championship poise and experience still prevailed as the HD Spikers completed a historic three-peat in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, outlasting Criss Cross in a winner-take-all Game 3, 25-22, 25-16, 28-26, in front of a good Sunday crowd at Philsports Arena.
Playing in their first do-or-die against the King Crunchers, the HD Spikers proved the championship stage is still their playground, sweeping the decider after a pair of five-set thrillers in the first two games of the Finals.
Louie Ramirez, who struggled from a shoulder injury all conference long, brought out his best game when it mattered most, drilling the big blows to deliver Cignal’s ninth championship.
“I was already in the right mindset for every game, but I had a minor injury. When it came to the finals, I told myself that if I get a chance to play, I’d contribute and show what I can do,” said Ramirez in Filipino after scoring a game-high 15 points
READ: Spikers’ Turf Finals: Cignal vows to work harder in Game 3
FINAL: Cignal sweeps Criss Cross in a winner-take-all Game 3, 25-22, 25-16, 28-26, to rule the #SpikersTurf2025@INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Jw16VuQjMw
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 6, 2025
When Cignal went down 20-23 in the third, Jau Umandal, who didn’t start despite leading Cignal in Games 1 and 2, scored three consecutive points to tie the frame.
Chu Njigha and Jude Garcia brought Criss Cross at set point twice but the HD Spikers forced a deuce with Ramirez finding an open spot, 25-all.
Marck Espejo put the King Crunchers ahead anew. But he committed an attack error and got blocked by Owa Retamar and Lloyd Josafat as the HD Spikers reach the championship point, 27-26.
Steven Rotter, who was hailed as Finals MVP, nailed the championship-clinching cross court attack.. He dropped 15 points off 11 spikes, three blocks, and an ace.
“This conference really had a lot of challenges. So many injuries, and a lot of internal problems. But the good thing is we were able to resolve them right away. So, this championship was truly a team effort. We really prepared for it—physically, mentally, everything. And I’m so grateful that the players cooperated,” said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor. “Whatever the game plan was, they followed through, especially Owa. Owa worked hard on our offensive system, and Louie became more aggressive, along with Rotter. It wasn’t just them; all the players really contributed to winning the championship.”
READ: Spikers’ Turf Finals: Criss Cross escapes Cignal, forces Game 3
What it seemed to be Criss Cross’ dominant season after sweeping 13 games en route to its third straight finals. But Cignal, which lost to its rival thrice including a semifinal defeat, smashed the winning streak and took Game 1, 25-20, 25-15, 18-25, 22-25, 15-12.
The HD Spikers on Friday tried to pull off a reverse sweep but Jaron Requinton’s heroics denied their comeback bid and forced a rubber match with a 22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 escape in Game 2.
Tied at 17 in the first set, Louie Ramirez scored five of Cignal’s next seven points to reach set point, 24-20, before Criss Cross saved two points. JP Bugaoan ended the opening frame with a quick attack.
The HD Spikers dominated the second set with a 23-15 spread as Ramirez scored the team’s last three points to move to the verge of championship with a two-set lead.
Josafat and Wendel Miguel chipped in eight points each, while JP Bugaoan added seven points.
Setter Retamar unleashed 24 excellent sets on top of three points, while libero Vince Lorenzo had 21 excellent receptions and four digs.
For the third straight conference, Criss Cross settled for silver anew despite its best record.
Garcia was the lone double-digit scorer for the King Crunchers with 12 points. Game 2 hero Requinton was held to nine points.
Ish Polvorosa injured his knee late in the third but still went to the podium to receive his silver medal and Best Setter award with a knee immobilizer, assisted by his teammates.
