With emotions running high and the stakes at their peak, the marquee match between the Cignal HD Spikers and the Criss Cross King Crunchers promises to be a battle for pride and dominance.
The stage is set for a colossal clash as reigning champion Cignal takes on newly-assembled powerhouse Criss Cross for the first time in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday, April 14, at the PhilSports Arena.
The much-anticipated match transcends mere competition, as it harbors an interesting subplot that adds an extra layer of intensity to an already high-stakes encounter.
After all, several of Cignal’s former core players in Ysay Marasigan, Chu Njigha, Manuel Sumanguid III, Geuel Asia, Jude Garcia, Rex Intal, Ish Polvorosa, Vince Mangulabnan, and the returning Marck Espejo now serve as integral cogs for the King Crunchers.
As the marquee showdown draws near, HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor reflects on the shifting dynamics within his team and the emergence of Criss Cross as a formidable contender.
[ALSO READ: ‘Icha-challenge namin sila’: Jude Garcia, Criss Cross gearing up for clash with Cignal in Spikers' Turf]
“Next game namin will be Criss Cross. Sabi nga nila magpapakilala raw sila, [pero] kilala na sila eh. Why? Sila ‘yung core dati ng Cignal. Most of them or more than half of them ay galing sa Cignal. So kami, parang kami ‘yung nasa rebuilding process. Parang kami ang new team,” Clamor said.
True enough, Cignal underwent a revamp in the offseason.
Following the departure of Marasigan, Njigha, Sumanguid, and Asia, among others, the HD Spikers brought in new faces in the fold. This includes Madz Gampong, Ronniel Rosales, Mfewana Gwaza, Giles Torres, Vince Lorenzo, and Cian Silang.
Another vital cog would then bid farewell to the HD Spikers in Espejo, who is expected to make his Criss Cross debut soon after helping the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos reign in the Korea V. League.
This led to the acquisition of Bryan Bagunas, who already made a successful homecoming in his Cignal debut last April 3, just days after leading Win Streak to a second consecutive title in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan.
Despite the challenges that come with rebuilding, Clamor remains undeterred, especially with Bagunas forging a fearsome one-two punch with Jao Umandal, another international-caliber scorer.
“So, malaking bagay na nasa akin ‘yung dalawa na ‘yan, si Bryan at si Jao, at least kahit papaano may panlaban kami sa core na umalis,” Clamor said.
[ALSO READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal’s system can bring out the best in Bryan Bagunas, Jao Umandal, says Dexter Clamor]
While the stakes are high as both teams dispute for the top spot in the standings, the HD Spikers approach the battle against Criss Cross with a blend of confidence, determination, and a burning desire to prove themselves.
“Kung excited mga fans, kung excited lahat ‘yung volleyball community, mas excited kami. Higit sa lahat mas excited ‘yung management na nagpe-prepare rin for that game kasi kahit papaano may mga emosyon na mata-touch sa game na ‘yun,” Clamor shared.
“So, I’m very much excited pero ‘yung excitement na ‘yun hindi pwedeng excited lang kailangan paghandaan talaga namin. Physically, emotion, spiritual, lahat. Para pagdating ng araw na ‘yun for sure magkakaroon ng magandang laban.”