Cignal's championship poise was on full display and the HD Spikers stop Criss Cross again to win the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference crown.
In a highly-anticipated championship showdown between two powerhouse teams, Cignal relied on its vast experience and unparalleled poise under pressure to thwart Criss Cross, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, capturing the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown at the Philsports Arena Sunday.
While the match appeared evenly balanced on paper and in execution, Cignal’s composure in clutch moments of each set, honed by numerous Finals appearances and title conquests, made all the difference.
Down by four in the third set, the HD Spikers mounted a comeback that typifies championship-winning teams. They tied the set at 17 and gained the lead after Nico Almendras committed an attack error.
From there, the battle became a thrilling back-and-forth, with Cignal briefly reclaiming the lead at 20-19, only for Criss Cross to surge back ahead at 22-21.
It wasn’t a surprise when the set stretched to the distance, especially after Jude Garcia saved Criss Cross from championship point with a fiery back-row attack.
However, Martin Bugaoan, thrust into the spotlight at crunch time, delivered a crucial quick attack on an open block. After a tense exchange, Garcia launched another back-row attack – but this time it went wide.
The King Crunchers challenged the call with a ball-in/ball-out review, leading to an anti-climactic finish. The video, however, confirmed the ball was out, officially handing the HD Spikers their eighth championship.
While Louie Ramirez’s brilliant 24-point performance was key to the victory, Cignal coach Dexter Clamor was quick to credit the bench for their contributions.
“I thank my second stringers who stepped up,” he said. “It was really a collective effort. We prepared hard for this match.”
Wendell Miguel added 15 points, Lloyd Josafat scored six markers, JP Bugaoan contributed four before leaving due to injury late in the third, Steven Rotter chipped in with four points, and both Owa Retamar and Martin Bugaoan had two points each.
For Criss Cross, the loss marked another frustrating setback.
The Finals run highlighted the championship-caliber roster for the King Crunchers, but they will have to settle for silver again after losing to the same Cignal team in the Open Conference earlier this year.