Action between Cignal HD and Criss Cross in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference Final, December 15, 2024 at the Philsports Arena. PVL Media

MANILA -- Cignal HD is upbeat ahead of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, but they are also staying wary of their challengers.

The HD Spikers, the winningest squad in league history with eight championships, dominated both the Open and Invitational Conferences last year and are gunning for a third straight championship in the season, which starts Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Their back-to-back titles cemented them as the team to beat, but archrivals Criss Cross, PGJC-Navy, VNS-Laticrete, last year's surprise team Savouge, and newcomer Alpha Insurance are all eager to dethrone the defending champions.

Criss Cross, last year's runner-up, remains determined to claim its first championship after falling short against Cignal in both the Open and Invitational finals.

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"Our goal remains the same – to win our first championship," said back-to-back MVP and Criss Cross star Jude Garcia in Filipino. "We worked on improving our consistency, as we lacked composure in crucial moments last season."

Despite losing in the finals, Criss Cross has proven its worth against Cignal, securing two wins against the powerhouse squad during the season.

Meanwhile, Savouge stunned Cignal in the Invitationals elimination round with a thrilling five-set victory (19-25, 27-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13). Team captain Hero Austria acknowledges the tough road ahead, particularly against Cignal's star players.

"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 Austria in Filipino.

PGJC-Navy's Greg Dolor, a key player in the team's upset win over Cignal in the 2022 Open, also expects an intense competition among all six teams.

"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 Dolor, a Navy enlisted personnel.

The two youngest teams in the league, VNS-Laticrete and Alpha Insurance, aim to gain experience and challenge the more established squads.

Alpha Insurance, composed of standout UAAP and NCAA graduates such as Billie Anima, Francis Casas, and Jayjay Javelona, views the competition as a learning opportunity.

"The team to beat is definitely Cignal – they are the reigning champions. Playing against them will be a great experience for us," said Alpha Insurance's Rey Sabanal.

VNS-Laticrete's Jayvee Sumagaysay expressed confidence in his young squad, emphasizing their fearless approach last season against top teams like Criss Cross.

"I expect our team to perform well in this conference. Last season, despite facing champion teams, our young players didn't back down or feel intimidated," said Sumagaysay.