Thrust into the starting six of a championship-caliber squad, Alche Gupiteo faced a trial by fire in his first stint with Criss Cross — and he has immediately shown he has what it takes to shoulder that responsibility.
The former UST beach volleyball star has been impressive so far for the King Crunchers, proving he isn’t afraid of the spotlight as he led the team to a dominant 3-0 start in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Gupiteo delivered an all-around performance in his debut, tallying 11 points, eight excellent receptions, and three excellent digs in Criss Cross’ opening-day 25-17, 25-15, 25-17 rout of VNS Always Bright Laticrete last Wednesday.
He followed it up with a double-double of 12 points and 15 receptions in a 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 win over Alpha Insurance last Friday. Then he contributed 13 points, 10 receptions, and four digs on Sunday in their 25-20, 29-27, 25-15 triumph against AEP-Cabstars.
For his immediate impact in jump-starting the King Crunchers’ strong start, Gupiteo was named the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of February 25 to March 1.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
“Actually may pressure siya pero I always believe na this is a new beginning, this is a new team, this is a new era, so I have [to] enjoy,” said Gupiteo, who emerged as a steady presence for Criss Cross despite the team being loaded with talented wingers like four-time MVP Jude Garcia, Noel Kampton, Nico Almendras, Ysay Marasigan, and Jaron Requinton.
“Yung Spikers’ Turf is minsan lang, so why not enjoy. So ‘di ko iniisip ‘yung pressure kasi isa ‘yun sa factor na mada-down ka ganun,” he added.
Gupiteo beat out fellow King Cruncher Jude Garcia, Louie Ramirez of Savouge, Jay Rack De La Noche of AEP-Cabstars, and Carl Berdal of 3B for the weekly honor, which was deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
The two-time UAAP beach volleyball MVP credited Criss Cross’ welcoming environment and family-like culture, saying it gave him the confidence to perform at his best.
“I’m very blessed kasi kinuha ako nila. Thankful kasi maganda ‘yung laro. Syempre kinakabahan kasi first Spikers’ Turf ko ‘to. Actually, nagtiwala lang talaga ako sa coaching staff, sa mga kuya, sa managers, that’s why na-boost ‘yung confidence ko to perform,” Gupiteo said.
Gupiteo and the King Crunchers will aim to extend their streak when they face the Event Masters on Friday at 3:00 PM at the Filoil Centre, hoping to stretch their winning run to four games.
