Streaking Criss Cross dealt the struggling De La Salle-EcoOil its third consecutive loss with a dominant 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday.
The King Crunchers notched their fourth straight win, improving to a 6-1 record and moving within one victory of securing a spot in the semifinals.
The next phase will feature the top four teams from the eliminations along with a guest team.
Criss Cross is heavily favored to clinch their semis berth in their upcoming game on Wednesday against winless Chichi DHTSI.
“Pinaghandaan pa rin namin sila. Of course, ‘yung first few games nila, peak talaga ‘yung laro, at hindi namin minamaliit ‘yung labas ng laro nila sa game namin ngayon. Ine-expect pa rin namin na mag-all out sila,” said King Crunchers captain Ysay Marasigan, who contributed 10 points in the win.
(C) Jem Ferrer/Spikers Turf Images
After suffering a 25-12 blowout in the second set, the Green Oilers showed more grit in the third, forcing a tight contest that reached a 19-all deadlock.
However, their inexperience showed in the closing moments. They committed five of their 17 total errors late in the set, allowing Criss Cross to seal the win in just 81 minutes.
“Actually, nakukulangan pa ako sa performance namin. Sa mga ganoong bagay, dapat ‘yung maturity na talaga ‘yung lumalabas sa amin kasi matatanda na kami, and collegiate ‘yung kalaban namin,” Marasigan added.
Reigning Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia led Criss Cross with an impressive 20-point output. He converted 18-of-26 attack attempts while contributing eight excellent receptions.
Newcomer Nico Almendras provided solid support with 11 points and nine receptions, while veteran setter Ish Polvorosa dished out 20 excellent sets.
Gian Glorioso also stood tall with eight points, including three crucial blocks, as the King Crunchers outgunned their opponents in attacks, 47-34.
(C) Jem Ferrer/Spikers Turf Images
De La Salle-EcoOil, after a strong 4-0 start to the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision, has now slumped to 4-3.
Despite their current slide, the Green Oilers remain in contention for a semifinal berth but must secure a win in their next match on Friday against Savouge.
Rui Ventura led the Green Oilers with 11 points, while Eugene Gloria added seven.
Key players Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao, however, struggled to make an impact. Kampton, playing under the weather, managed just four points, while Maglinao was limited to three points in two sets.
With the semis drawing near, the King Crunchers are building momentum, while De La Salle-EcoOil must regroup to keep their playoff hopes alive.
