The Cignal HD Spikers during their game against Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, February 21, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL Media
MANILA -- Cignal HD faces an early test on Sunday when the defending champions take on Savouge in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference elimination round at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
First serve is scheduled at 3:30 p.m., in the league's return to the historic venue for the first time since May 2024.
Coming off a strong statement win against debuting Alpha Insurance Protectors in last Friday’s season opener, the HD Spikers remain wary of their encounter with the Spin Doctors, knowing that Savouge has the weapons to challenge them.
The Spin Doctors had beaten the HD Spikers in the elimination round in last year's Invitational Conference.
READ: Cignal HD weathers upset bid from Alpha Insurance
READ: Calado stars in Savouge's sweep of PGJC-Navy
"We will prepare thoroughly. Because last conference, during the elimination round, they gave us a good fight. Now that we’ll be facing them again in the 2025 eliminations, we will prepare even harder, knowing that they are a more complete team this time," Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor said in Filipino.
Adding to the intrigue is the offseason acquisition of former Cignal standout Mark Calado by Savouge, further fueling this developing rivalry.
“They've added someone, Mark (Calado), who came from our team. Of course, we know the potential of the kid and how good he is since he was with us before," Clamor noted.
The HD Spikers, however, remain confident in their core, led by team captain JP Bugaoan, Wendel Miguel, and a fully recovered Steven Rotter, who is back from a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
But Cignal HD will still be without Louie Ramirez, who is nursing a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Savouge will rely on Calado and Sherwin Caritativo to provide the offensive spark, while their middle blockers aim to disrupt Cignal’s quick plays and net defense.
At 1:00 p.m., it will be PGJC-Navy against VNS-Laticrete, while Criss Cross goes for their second win at 6:00 p.m. against the Alpha Insurance Protectors.
The Sealions, still reeling from a straight-set defeat to the Spin Doctors, will count on Greg Dolor, Peter Quiel and Jack Kalingking to bounce back against a VNS-Laticrete squad led by CJ Segui, Kenneth Culabat and Jayvee Sumagaysay.
Additionally, all eyes will be on the return of Nico Almendras for Criss Cross as he faces his former college teammate, Edward Camposano, in a battle of rising stars.