After years of heartbreak and near misses, Criss Cross finally claimed the elusive Spikers’ Turf crown — not by dethroning perennial tormentor Cignal, but by surviving the relentless assault of a youthful and determined Kindai University squad.
In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, Criss Cross emerged victorious in a five-set thriller, 25-15, 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 22-20, before a roaring crowd at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday night.
It was the King Crunchers’ first-ever Spikers’ Turf championship, a long-awaited redemption after three consecutive runner-up finishes to Cignal.
The victory was hard-fought.
Criss Cross had to overcome not only Kindai’s youthful exuberance and disciplined play but also the weight of their own past frustrations.
They survived six championship points, including tense exchanges deep into the extended fifth set, before Jude Garcia delivered the decisive attack that sealed the win.
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“Sobrang sarap sa feeling. Unang championship namin,” said Garcia, who poured in a match-high 35 points. “Ilang heartbreaks na, tatlong seasons, nakuha din naming ang championship. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”
Criss Cross’ triumph was a collective effort. Nico Almendras and Poy Colinares contributed 15 points apiece, while Noel Kampton added 13, including the crucial final equalizer in the fifth set.
Setter Adrian Villados orchestrated the team’s comeback with poise beyond his years, dishing out 34 excellent sets and earning Final MVP honors.
Villados also claimed the Best Setter award for the tournament, finishing second in the setting department with 6.05 per set.
For Garcia, the championship added another historic milestone.
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The 27-year-old outside spiker extended his remarkable streak by capturing his fourth consecutive Spikers’ Turf MVP award, and also earned his first-ever Best Outside Spiker citation, joining Cignal’s Jau Umandal on the Elite Team.
Umandal bounced back from a slow elimination round to secure his third Best Outside Spiker award.
Kindai University’s young stars were formidable throughout. Haruka Misugi led the charge with 27 points, while Yoshiki Yasuda contributed 22, Kentaro Hata 16, and Nozomi Yamamoto 10.
Ryutaro Aun claimed Best Opposite Spiker for his 94-point campaign, and Yuito Kose earned Best Libero honors, excelling in both digs and receptions.
On the front line, Criss Cross’ Poy Colinares and Savouge Aesthetics’ Giles Torres were named Best Middle Blockers, recognizing their strong blocking presence throughout the conference.
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Earlier, Cignal salvaged a measure of pride by claiming the bronze medal.
The multi-titled powerhouse rebounded from mid-game struggles to edge out Savouge Athletics, 25-18, 17-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a match that prevented their worst finish after an eight-year Finals streak.
Wendel Miguel led Cignal with 21 points, supported by Vince Maglinao and Steven Rotter with 12 apiece, while the Bugaoan brothers added 10 points each.
For Criss Cross, Saturday night was more than a championship — it was redemption, resilience, and the culmination of a journey years in the making.
Against heartbreak, against history, and against a hungry Kindai University squad, the King Crunchers finally stood tallest.
At long last, Criss Cross is the king of Spikers’ Turf.
