Criss Cross vented its ire on PGJC Navy, securing a dominant 25-17, 25-18, 25-22 win in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The King Crunchers were coming off a 21-25, 21-25, 27-25, 25-18, 11-15 defeat against the Cignal HD Spikers, needing this blowout victory to regain their bearings and improve their record to 3-1, tying for fourth place with their arch-rivals.
“Sobrang happy kasi nakuha namin ‘yung game pero hindi pa kasi nagtatapos ‘yung season eh so kailangan pang pukpukin ‘yung sarili namin sa training and then i-apply dito sa game,” said Criss Cross spiker Jude Garcia, who followed up his 35-point outburst with an 18-point performance, along with nine receptions and five digs.
The King Crunchers needed to fend off a fiery Sealions rally late in the third set to claim the sweep in 89 minutes.
Nilo Jasmin and Greg Dolor teamed up in that rally, which saw PGJC Navy cut a 22-13 deficit to just two, 24-22. However, Chu Njigha finished the match with a quick kill off the blockers.
Unlike in their game against Cignal, where Garcia lacked support, Criss Cross received contributions this time, with Francis Saura producing 12 points and Nico Almendras adding 11.
Almendras, the newcomer out of National University, also excelled in floor defense, tallying 17 excellent receptions while Ish Polvorosa tossed 17 excellent sets.
Criss Cross will look to extend its winning streak on Wednesday when it faces Martelli Meats, still at the Pasig venue.
Omar Lioc provided 11 points as the Sealions fell to 3-2, solo sixth place.
Joeven Dela Vega chipped in 10 points, while Dolor and Jasmin had nine and eight, respectively.
PGJC Navy will next face De La Salle-EcoOil on Sunday, also at Ynares.
