Adrian Villados’ family didn’t usually make it to his games.
Hailing from Binangonan, Rizal, his family rarely made the long trips to matches. But with Criss Cross set to face its first real test of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference against Savouge, Villados asked them to come and cheer the team on.
“’Yun nga, sabi ko sa kanila, manood sila sa game na ‘to kasi talagang magandang, magandang laro ‘yung ipapakita namin,” Villados said.
And he made sure to give them a game worth the journey.
Boosted by his family’s presence, Villados orchestrated a precise and relentless offense, leading the King Crunchers to a dominant 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 sweep of the Spin Doctors to close the first round last Sunday night.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The former Arellano University star delivered 19 excellent sets, directing a fluid Criss Cross offense that allowed the team to overpower one of their toughest competitors for the Open Conference title. He also finished the night with three points of his own.
With the win secured, Villados reflected on the significance of having his family in the stands, saying their presence made the victory even more meaningful.
“So ayun, nakaka-boost lang ng morale na nandiyan sila. Every time na nakaka-point, or kapag may errors ‘pag tinitingnan mo sila, siyempre,” he said.
Even with the sweep, Villados admitted that the team had to work hard to overcome the challenges posed by the retooled Spin Doctors.
“Savouge talaga is ayun, kahit naman kami nalalakasan sa kanila. Mas mataas din ‘yung pressure ‘pag kalaban sila, pero sabi nga ni Coach Tai [Bundit] laro lang, happy lang,” said the former Alas Pilipinas Men setter.
“Siguro mas naging maganda ‘yung performance namin, pero talagang nahirapan kami. Kita naman sa game na dikit lang, hindi sila nakakauna, ‘di rin kami nakakauna,” he added.
The win kept Criss Cross atop the standings at 5-0 after the first round, maintaining their position as the top squad.
But for Villados and the King Crunchers, the record doesn’t mean much on its own. Instead, they remain focused on one goal: securing the franchise’s first Open Conference championship.
“Sa’min po ngayon is one game at a time lang. ‘Yung standings, wala naman ‘yun. Focus muna kami sa next game namin, and tuloy lang sa training,” Villados said.
