Alche Gupiteo’s first stint with Criss Cross did not start with ease — but it still ended with a championship.
Thrust immediately into a key role, the former University of Santo Tomas standout quickly became an immediate contributor for the King Crunchers in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, despite still adjusting from his beach volleyball-heavy collegiate background.
“Actually, hindi siya madali talaga. Kasi since bata pa ako and bago ako sa kanila, so maraming adjustments and galing din ako sa beach volleyball,” said Gupiteo. “So siyempre hinelp ako ng teammates ko, coaches, management, ni-lift up din ako nila.”
The transition was far from smooth, but what helped ease the process was the presence of familiar faces who understood exactly what he was going through.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Malaki talaga siya (presence ni Jaron) kasi they know kung anong feeling na bumalik from beach volleyball sa indoor,” he said.
“Si Kuya Jude (Garcia) din, actually, si Kuya Krung (Arbasto). Step by step nila ako tinulungan, that’s why I’m here right now in front of you.”
That support proved crucial as the two-time UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP navigated both adjustment pains and physical setbacks throughout the conference.
A minor right shoulder injury forced him to miss Game 1 of the Finals, putting his availability in doubt at a critical stage of the series.
He returned in Game 2 but played through discomfort as Criss Cross absorbed a loss that pushed them to the brink of a deciding Game 3.
“Na-injury din kasi ako. Na-help talaga nila ako bumawi ulit,” Gupiteo said, also expressing gratitude to those behind the team’s campaign. “Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga taong sumusuporta sa amin, sa fans, sa family, ayun.”
Despite still feeling the effects of the injury in the title decider, Gupiteo refused to back down when it mattered most.
“Ano siya, actually may kirot pa kasi ‘yung braso ko talaga. Pero luckily, maganda ‘yung laro. I think tinulungan din kami ni God,” he said.
In Game 3, Gupiteo delivered his biggest performance of the Finals, finishing with 12 points and seven excellent digs to help the King Crunchers clinch a hard-fought 28-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23 victory and secure the championship.
It was a breakthrough moment that not only validated his rapid rise in the lineup, but also capped a debut season shaped by struggle, trust, and steady support from teammates who had walked a similar path.
“Para sa akin kasi kung amin, amin talaga.”
