Manila, Feb. 19 -- 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...