MANILA – Cignal HD Spikers achieved a remarkable three-peat in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference with a 25-22, 25-16, 28-26 victory over Criss Cross King Crunchers in the do-or-die Game 3 of the Finals on Sunday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Louie Ramirez led the team with 15 points, including 13 attacks, earning him the Player of the Game honors as the HD Spikers wrapped up the best-of-three championship series at 2-1.
“My mindset was to make up for my teammates because I didn’t perform well throughout the season,” Ramirez stated, reflecting on his struggles with a shoulder injury during the elimination round.
“I told myself that in this finals, I would give it my all,” he added. “I am proud of our team because our training has been intense, and we truly wanted to win the championship this season.”
Steven Rotter also shone brightly with 15 points, including 11 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. Wendel Miguel and Lloyd Josafat each added eight points to support Cignal in securing their ninth championship title.
Although Cignal found themselves trailing 20-23 in the third set, Jau Umandal stepped up to tie the score at 23-all. Cignal had multiple opportunities to clinch the match, but Criss Cross managed to equalize each time, the last being at 26-all.
The HD Spikers took a 27-26 lead after Owa Retamar and Josafat blocked an attack from King Crunchers’ Marck Espejo, and they ultimately secured the championship with a powerful attack from Rotter.
Jude Garcia was the only player from the King Crunchers to reach double digits, finishing with 12 points./PN
