Criss Cross reaffirmed its dominance over Cignal with a hard-fought 25-27, 25-21, 25-21, 26-24 victory, gaining a crucial psychological edge ahead of their Finals trilogy clash in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The King Crunchers once again had the HD Spikers’ number, surviving a tense fourth set to secure their third consecutive head-to-head win over their rivals in the Open Conference, supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Heading into the best-of-three championship series against Cignal, Criss Cross carries the momentum of an unbeaten 13-0 record.
However, for setter Ish Polvorosa — who steered the team to victory with 27 excellent sets and one point — the King Crunchers are adopting a “back-to-zero” mindset as they chase their first Spikers’ Turf title in this highly-anticipated Finals trilogy.
“Kami, these 13 games, they are all erased. I do not care what happened in the last 13 games. I am looking forward and very focused on the fact that we are going to the finals,” said Polvorosa.
“Yung two or three games na ‘yon sa Finals, ‘yon talaga yung pinaka-importante. It all boils down there. We’re gonna take it one game and one day at a time. Yung ganoong mindset, I think doon kami makakakuha ng progress to our goal of winning the championship.”
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In a tightly-contested fourth set, with the score knotted at 21-all, the King Crunchers absorbed back-to-back down-the-line hits from Steven Rotter. They then responded with a crosscourt hit and a crucial block from Nico Almendras to reach match point at 24-23.
Polvorosa’s service error briefly extended the set, but Jaron Requinton quickly stepped up, delivering a down-the-line attack to put Criss Cross ahead, 25-24.
The match ended in dramatic fashion when referees initially ruled JP Bugaoan’s quick attack as inside.
However, after a successful ball-out challenge from Criss Cross, the point was overturned.
Cignal attempted a last-ditch block touch challenge, but it was deemed unsuccessful, sealing the King Crunchers’ 13th consecutive win in as many games in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“I think ‘yon lang yung nag-success today for us — the momentum and the pride. Parang tune-up game lang siya and nagbasahan lang kami kung paano kami makakapaglaro and makakapag-prepare for the finals. But it is still important that we won today kasi yung pride, honor, and momentum nga dala namin for the finals,” Polvorosa added.
Polvorosa’s steady playmaking helped three Criss Cross players score in double figures.
Jude Garcia led the charge with 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks while also contributing six excellent digs.
Almendras and Requinton followed with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Gian Glorioso and Kim Malabunga chipped in nine points each.
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On the other hand, Cignal wrapped up the semifinals with a 2-1 record, with its only loss coming at the hands of Criss Cross.
In fact, all three of Cignal’s defeats in the Open Conference have come against the King Crunchers.
Rotter spearheaded the HD Spikers’ offense with 18 points on 17 attacks, while Wendel Miguel added 13 points, including 10 attacks and three blocks, along with six excellent digs. Lloyd Josafat also contributed 11 points in the loss.
Meanwhile, setter Joshua Retamar was benched for EJ Casana for most of the third set and the entire fourth frame. Still, he managed to register 16 excellent sets.
