For Steven Rotter, Sunday’s semifinal clash isn’t just another game — it’s a statement opportunity.
The Cignal ace spiker and the HD Spikers have yet to solve the puzzle that is Criss Cross, dropping both of their elimination-round encounters against the league leaders.
But with the Finals looming, Rotter knows they can’t afford to let history repeat itself.
“They’re a really good team. They have our number right now,” Rotter admitted.
“We’re just gonna have to practice hard, watch a lot of films on them, and hopefully, when the time comes, we’re playing like how we played today.”
Though the semifinal duel holds no bearing on the standings, Rotter and the HD Spikers see it as their last chance to gain an upper hand before the ultimate battle for the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title begins.
Head coach Dexter Clamor echoed the importance of this rematch, stressing that a victory — even in a non-bearing match — would provide a crucial confidence boost heading into their championship defense.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Sunday kasi is a non-bearing game, pero kailangan maipakita pa rin namin ‘yung best namin para going to the Finals, mataas ‘yung kumpyansa,” said Clamor, a five-time Spikers’ Turf champion.
The road to redemption, however, won’t be easy. Criss Cross is not only undefeated but now has an added weapon in Marck Espejo, who recently returned from his Japan V.League stint with the Kubota Spears.
“Paghahandaan ulit namin sila, excited kami na makalaban ulit si Marck (Espejo),” said Clamor, who coached the star spiker at Cignal from 2019 to 2023.
Despite the tough challenge ahead, Rotter remains eager to test himself against Espejo and a fully loaded Criss Cross squad.
“I hope to at least block him once,” he said with a grin.
“I’m excited to play against him and excited to play against a fully equipped Criss Cross team.”
