Criss Cross made quick work of VNS, 25-14, 25-15, 25-21, to claim a share of the lead in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The King Crunchers and the Cignal Super Spikers — opponents in the last three Spikers’ Turf Finals — are now both unbeaten at 2-0.
On Sunday at 6:00 PM, the two powerhouse squads will clash at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, with only one expected to leave the day unscathed in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings n’ Things, and Arena Plus.
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“Laging bukambibig sa amin ng coaches namin na lahat ng teams ngayon palaban. Like we need to respect them kasi at some point, isang snap lang, puwede kaming matalo,” said Criss Cross outside spiker Noel Kampton, who contributed 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
“Kaya ang mindset talaga namin, pinaghahandaan namin kasi mga bata ang VNS. Walang pressure sa kanila maglalaro lang sila, manalo, matalo.”
The King Crunchers seemed poised to cruise to victory, leading 20-13 on a quick hit from Lucca Mamone, but RK Medino had other plans.
The 17-year-old, 6-foot-4 opposite spiker carried the Griffins while Kimmy Liray helped cut the deficit to just two, 20-22.
However, Medino’s service error stalled their momentum, and Kampton sealed the win with the final two kills, giving Criss Cross the victory in just 67 minutes.
Jaron Requinton supported Kampton with 13 points, while Jude Garcia and Kim Malabunga added eight and six points, respectively.
Adrian Villados delivered 20 excellent sets and contributed four points himself, including three blocks and an ace.
The King Crunchers played without Nico Almendras, Chu Njigha, Ysay Marasigan, and Manuel Sumangguid, all sidelined due to illness.
VNS dropped to 0-2 and will seek its first win on Sunday against UST-Gameville at 4:00 PM.
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Liray and Medino led the Griffins with nine points apiece, while assistant coach JP De Guzman continued mentoring the team.
Head coach Ralph Ocampo is currently at the 2025 Batang Pinoy, leading Team Caloocan — composed of VNS players — to the beach volleyball championship.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
