Two wins are worth more than four losses — and Cignal proved that with authority.
After enduring a tough 0-3 record against Criss Cross in the eliminations and semifinals, the HD Spikers flipped the script when it mattered most.
They dominated in the Finals, sweeping the King Crunchers in Game 3 with a commanding 25-22, 25-16, 27-25 victory to secure their first-ever three-peat in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The defending champions left no doubt this time around following close five-setters in the first two games of the series, denying Criss Cross once again and showcasing that experience and excellence always find a way to shine.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Ayun nga, this conference ang daming challenges talaga. ang daming mga injuries. Ang daming… Alam mo yun, internal problems. But ang maganda dito, nare-resolve namin right away kung ano yung nagiging problema namin. So, talagang itong championship talagang collective effort ng bawat isa,” said HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor.
Facing a 20-23 disadvantage in the third set, Jau Umandal came alive, hammering back-to-back attacks. A subsequent attack error by Chu Njigha tied the scores at 23, giving Cignal a chance to close out the do-or-die match with a sweep.
However, Njigha made up for his mistake with a quick hit, only for Steven Rotter to respond with an off-the-block attack, sending the game to deuce. The back-and-forth continued between Jude Garcia and Louie Ramirez, with another deadlock at 26.
Marck Espejo put the King Crunchers ahead with a powerful off-the-block attack but then made a costly attack error, tying the game at 27.
Lloyd Josafat and Owa Retamar responded by blocking Espejo on the next play, setting the stage for Rotter, who delivered the championship-clinching back-row attack after an hour and 33 minutes of action.
“Talagang pinaghandaan talaga namin physically, mentally, lahat na and sobrang pinagpapasalamat ko is nakipag-cooperate yung mga players. Kung ano yung game plan, most especially si Owa [Retamar] — talagang trinabaho ni Owa kung ano yung magiging offensive system. And at the same time, itong si Louie [Ramirez] naging aggressive and [Steven] Rotter,” added Clamor.
Rotter, who was named Finals MVP after averaging 14.33 in the three-game series, spearheaded the charge with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Ramirez registered 15 markers as well, 13 of which came from attacks.
Wendel Miguel and Lloyd Josafat added eight points apiece, while team captain JP Bugaoan added seven markers.
Retamar steered the offense with 24 excellent sets to go along with three points, while Vince Lorenzo collected 21 excellent sets to go along with four excellent digs for the HD Spikers.
On the other hand, Jude Garcia was the lone double-digit scorer for Criss Cross with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks on top of four excellent digs. Jaron Requinton added nine points, while Espejo was limited to just six points and six excellent receptions.
Ish Polvorosa had 18 excellent sets but failed to finish the third set after going down with an apparent knee injury following a bad landing. Manuel Sumanguid tallied 16 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Garcia, however, still had something to celebrate after winning his third-straight MVP award.
The Savouge pair of Mark Calado and Shawie Caritativo took home the Best Outside Hitter awards, while Rotter capped off an impressive campaign with a Best Opposite Hitter award.
Gian Glorioso of Criss Cross and Bugaoan of Cignal were awarded the Best Middle Blocker, while Polvorosa and Vince Lorenzo took home the Best Setter and Best Libero plums.
