Cignal begins its title-retention bid on Friday, facing newcomer Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The HD Spikers, seeking a third-straight title, square off with the Insurance Protectors at 3:30 p.m.
Other matches pit the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions against the Savouge Spin Doctors at 1 p.m. and the VNS-Laticrete Griffins against the Criss Cross King Crunchers at 6 p.m.
Criss Cross, last year’s runner-up, is determined to claim its first championship after losing to Cignal in both the Open and Invitational finals.
“Our goal remains the same – to win our first championship. We worked on improving our consistency, as we lacked composure in crucial moments last season,” said back-to-back MVP and Criss Cross star Jude Garcia.
Cignal, the league’s winningest squad with eight titles, has a formidable roster but the other teams have also prepared and can pull off surprises.
“This conference, Louie Ramirez and JM Ronquillo will be our biggest challenges. They’re incredibly skilled, and every team knows how difficult it is to anticipate their plays,” said Savouge skipper Tom Austria.
“With only six teams in the tournament, every match will be tough. That’s why our training has been extra intense. We’ve prepared for a grueling schedule with games almost every other day,” said PGJC-Navy’s Greg Dolor.
Alpha Insurance is composed of standout UAAP and NCAA graduates such as Billie Anima, Francis Casas, and Jayjay Javelona. (PNA)