Semis-bound Criss Cross relied on its second-stringers to complete an elimination-round sweep at the expense of also-ran PGJC-Navy, 25-18, 25-17, 25-19, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Jude Garcia was the lone starter who played heavy minutes in the contest, but the King Crunchers still managed to dominate the Sealions and finish the Sports Vision-organized tournament with an immaculate 10-0 record.
Wingers Jaron Requinton and Nico Almendras, along with setter Ish Polvorosa, saw limited action, while middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Gian Glorioso sat out the contest.
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Garcia led the way with a game-high 16 points, tallying 10 attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces, along with 11 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. Meanwhile, Chu Njigha maximized his rare opportunity, delivering 14 points on nine attacks, five kill blocks, and one ace.
Birthday boy Geuel Asia took charge of the playmaking duties, dishing out 14 excellent sets to orchestrate Criss Cross’ balanced offensive attack.
“Siguro ire-rate ko na lang ng eight out of 10 (yung performance) namin kasi nagkaroon kami ng complacency sa loob ng court. Siguro masyado kaming nag-relax dito sa game na ‘to,” said Asia after the win.
“Boost sa’min ‘to sa team at sa bawat isa sa amin dahil na-sweep namin. Pero hindi kami titigil na magaral pa and lumaban sa games na susunod pa,” he added.
Also making the most out of their rare chance are veterans Ysay Marasigan and Rex Intal with nine and eight points, respectively. Francis Saura and Almendras added four points each in their 10th consecutive win in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
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Despite shuffling their rotation, the King Crunchers delivered an impressive performance at the net, converting 42 of their 97 attack attempts in the one-hour, 14-minute contest. They also registered 12 total blocks, led by Njigha and Garcia.
On the other hand, the undermanned Navy finished the tournament on an eight-game losing streak, capping off its campaign dead-last with a disappointing 1-9 record.
The Sealions have been playing without veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, Marvin Hairami, and star Joeven Dela Vega. Leading in their place were John Ashley Jacob and Peter Quiel with 10 and nine points, respectively.
Team captain Jack Kalingking, meanwhile, registered 15 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs in a losing effort.
