Criss Cross wasted no time reminding the competition why it reigns supreme, dismantling the Armed Forces of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-15, 25-14, 25-12, to kick off its title-retention bid in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Led by five-time Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia, the King Crunchers needed just 70 minutes to dispatch the Cavaliers, controlling the match from start to finish to open their campaign in emphatic fashion.
Garcia delivered a game-high 13 points built on seven attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while also recording five excellent digs to power the defending champions to victory.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Criss Cross thus joined fellow opening-day winner Alpha Insurance at the top of the standings, with both teams carrying identical 1-0 records.
Despite the convincing win, Garcia admitted that the King Crunchers still have plenty of work to do in building their chemistry, particularly after he returned from Alas Pilipinas duty at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
“Siguro po, sobrang nag-a-adjust pa kasi ilang weeks pa lang kami nagsasama,” said the former Far Eastern University star.
“So, kailangan pa ng gelling namin. So, yung chemistry namin, medyo off pa, so kailangan talaga trabahuhin namin para sa darating na games, maging pulido na yung galaw namin,” he added.
Newcomer Amil Pacinio chipped in eight points, all from attacks, while Noel Kampton and Poy Colinares added six points apiece. Kennedy Batas and Lucca Mamone contributed five markers each.
Another Alas Pilipinas standout, Adrian Villados, orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets. Manuel Sumanguid and John Pepito also provided solid defensive support, tallying 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, respectively, while sharing libero duties.
Criss Cross will look to build on its impressive start and stretch its winning run to two games when it faces rival Savouge on October 21 at 5 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Pol Salvador paced AFP with eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong added five in the losing effort.
Jessie Lopez also made his return to the Spikers’ Turf, registering nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions for the Cavaliers.
AFP will seek redemption when it takes on 3B on October 21 at 11 a.m.
