Criss Cross stamped its authority on the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, completing a dominant sweep of the elimination round with a straight-set victory over 3B, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16, at the Paco Arena on Friday.
The top-ranked King Crunchers imposed their will from the opening serve to the final point, turning what was expected to be a routine finish into a statement of complete dominance.
With the win, Criss Cross marches into the semifinals unbeaten and unbothered with a perfect 10-0 record.
This marks the Rebisco-backed squad’s third consecutive elimination-round sweep, following a flawless 10-0 run in the 2025 Open Conference and a 7-0 campaign in the subsequent Invitational Conference, where they captured their first-ever title.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako sa management. Talagang walang sawa ‘yung suporta sa amin, nandun talaga. Credits din sa lahat ng teammates ko, kasi tinrabaho din ng bawat isa ‘yung 10-0 ngayong eliminations,” said four-time MVP Jude Garcia.
“Pero syempre back to zero ulit, kasi nga papunta na ng semis. Lahat ng games importante, so kailangan ‘yung 100 percent effort nandun talaga.”
Criss Cross dominated the attack line, 45-28, overwhelming 3B and controlling the tempo after a tight first set.
Alche Gupiteo led the way with 19 points, while Adrian Villados dished out 16 excellent sets. Garcia finished with six points.
Jaron Requinton, Kim Malabunga, and Lucca Mamone added five markers apiece in a one-hour, six-minute romp.
Meanwhile, Savouge and Alpha Insurance entered the next round with momentum.
(C) Spikers’ Turf
The Spin Doctors triumped over AEP-Cabstars, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21. On the other hand, the Protectors snapped a two-game skid in emphatic fashion, defeating VNS Always Bright Laticrete in straight sets, 25-21, 25-12, 25-15.
Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, and JP Bugaoan led the attack in Louie Ramirez’s absence.
Calado scored 16 points, Caritativo flirted with a triple-double (15 points, 26 excellent receptions, nine digs), and Bugaoan contributed 14 points with five of the team’s 11 kill blocks.
JM Paglaon orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets.
(C) Spikers’ Turf
Meanwhile, Cian Silang led with 22 excellent sets and three points. Nathaniel Del Pilar then delivered 13 points on a highly efficient 10-of-15 attacks.
Ranz Cajolo added 12 points with three kill blocks, and Jau Umandal contributed 11 markers off the bench.
AEP-Cabstars finished the eliminations fourth with a 5-5 record. Jay Rack De La Noche led with 23 points, while Nas Gwaza and Michael Doria added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
EJ Casana set 27 excellent balls and added two kill blocks. Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 25 excellent receptions and eight digs.
3B ended its elimination round in fifth place with a 2-8 record, while VNS went winless.
