The Cignal HD Spikers are tied, 5-5 in their head-to-head matchups against the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Spikers' Turf. But this might be a curious season, as Criss Cross is undefeated against Cignal in the 2025 Open Conference in three strai
The stage is set for another thrilling championship showdown in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference as the Cignal HD Spikers and Criss Cross King Crunchers meet in the finals for the third consecutive time.
With Cignal owning eight Spikers' Turf/PVL titles and Criss Cross—composed mainly of former Cignal players—seeking their first championship, the rivalry has intensified over the past year.
A growing rivalry
Cignal has been the standard for dominance in the Spikers' Turf, winning four Open Conference titles, including a three-peat in the tournament.
However, Criss Cross, which debuted in 2024, has proven to be their toughest challenger, finishing as runner-up in the previous two finals matchups against the HD Spikers.
In head-to-head battles, it's tied at 5-5. Curious enough, it's the King Crunchers who have the hot hands, going 3-0 in their encounters against the HD Spikers in the 2025 Open Conference.
Head-to-Head Battles
2024 Open Conference: Cignal's continued reign
Having Bryan Bagunas in red proved to be a huge boost for Cignal, as the Bazooka helped the HD Spikers soar all the way to the top of the Spikers' Turf 2024 Open Conference.
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Prelims: Cignal def. Criss Cross, 3-2 | 20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12 (April 14, 2024)
- Semifinals: Criss Cross def. Cignal, 3-2 | 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-15 (May 5, 2024)
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Finals Game 1: Cignal def. Criss Cross, 3-1 | 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19 (May 8, 2024)
- Finals Game 2: Cignal def. Criss Cross, 3-0 | 25-23, 27-25, 25-21 (May 10, 2024)
🏆 Finals MVP: Bryan Bagunas (Cignal)
🏆 Conference MVP: Jude Garcia (Criss Cross)
2024 Invitational Conference: Cignal prevails again
With Marck Espejo heading to Japan and Bryan Bagunas healing up from an injury, the two squads were in reinforcement mode.
Criss Cross bolstered its ranks with Nico Almendras and Francis Saura. Meanwhile, Cignal picked up Louie Ramirez, JM Ronquillo, Owa Retamar, and Martin Bugaoan from the collegiate ranks while calling up Steven Rotter to suit up once again.
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Prelims: Cignal def. Criss Cross, 3-2 | 25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 15-11 (Nov 3, 2024)
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Semifinals: Criss Cross def. Cignal, 3-1 | 25-20, 22-25, 25-12, 26-24 (Dec 8, 2024)
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Finals: Cignal def. Criss Cross, 3-0 | 25-19, 25-19, 26-24 (Dec 15, 2024)
🏆 Finals MVP: Louie Ramirez (Cignal)
🏆 Conference MVP: Jude Garcia (Criss Cross)
2025 Open Conference: Criss Cross gains the edge
The tides have shifted this season with Marck Espejo's return giving Criss Cross a boost, while Cignal still lacks the presence of Bagunas. The result? Undefeated King Crunchers so far.
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First Round: Criss Cross def. Cignal, 3-0 | 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 (March 5, 2025)
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Second Round: Criss Cross def. Cignal, 3-1 | 25-19, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19 (March 14, 2025)
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Semifinals: Criss Cross def. Cignal, 3-1 | 25-27, 25-21, 25-21, 26-24 (March 30, 2025)
Finals showdown: Will Criss Cross finally break through?
Will Criss Cross complete the breakthrough and finally claim their first Spikers’ Turf title? Or will Cignal reclaim their dominance and extend their reign? The championship series is set to deliver another electrifying chapter in this ever-growing rivalry.
Schedule
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Finals Game 1 | April 2 | Rizal Memorial Coliseum | 6:00 p.m.
- Finals Game 2 | April 4 | PhilSports Arena | 6:00 p.m.
- Finals Game 3 (if necessary) | April 6 | PhilSports Arena | 6:00 p.m.
Where to watch
- Free-to-air: One Sports | Cignal Ch. 6
- Cable: One Sports+ | Cignal Ch. 261 HD & Ch. 91 SD
- Streaming: Pilipinas Live | Download the app for mobile or check pilipinaslive.com for desktop.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]