Cignal HD celebrates against Savouge in the semifinals of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 26, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. PVL Media
MANILA -- Cignal HD is headed to the finals of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference -- where archrivals Criss Cross will be waiting.
The HD Spikers punched their ticket after a 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Savouge on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, wherein they flexed their superior firepower and net defense.
This will be the third straight finals showdown between Cignal HD and Criss Cross, with the HD Spikers conquering the King Crunchers in both the Open Conference and Invitational Finals last year.
The King Crunchers, however, defeated the HD Spikers twice in the elims of this conference.
Before their championship match, the rivals will first meet in their last semifinal assignments on Sunday at 6 p.m., also at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Cignal booked its eighth consecutive finals appearance, matching Criss Cross' 2-0 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
READ: Espejo shines in Criss Cross' rout of VNS
Meanwhile, Savouge and VNS-Laticrete were officially eliminated from the title race after suffering 0-2 records in the Final Four.
"Our team played really well. I'm thankful that the game plan we prepared over the past days paid off," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
"Savouge is no easy opponent. In the elimination round, they pushed Criss Cross to a fifth set twice. They also forced us into a fifth set in the second round, so they're not a team you can take lightly," he added.
Steven Rotter led Cignal with 13 points, including 10 attacks and 3 blocks, while team captain JP Bugaoan and Wendel Miguel contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Playmaker Owa Retamar delivered 21 excellent sets and five excellent digs, orchestrating the team's offense in the one-hour, 20-minute match.
Even though Sunday's match is non-bearing, both teams are expected to go all out with Criss Cross aiming to extend its unbeaten streak to 13 matches and Cignal seeking revenge and build momentum heading into the finals.
Mark Calado led Savouge with 11 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Giles Torres recorded 8 points (five attacks, three blocks), while Shawie Caritativo chipped in seven points, six excellent digs, and 11 receptions.
Meanwhile, Savouge will battle VNS-Laticrete for the bronze medal, following their elimination from the finals race.
The third-place showdown between the Spin Doctors and the Griffins will also take place on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.