Criss Cross proved that its depth is just as formidable as its star power, cruising past AEP-Cabstars in straight sets, 25-15, 25-12, 25-20, to extend its unbeaten run in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Even without four key players, Noel Kampton, Amil Pacinio, Manuel Sumanguid, and Lloyd Josafat, the King Crunchers stayed in complete control, with the rest of the squad stepping up for another commanding performance. The victory temporarily propelled Criss Cross to the top of the standings with an unblemished 5-0 record.
Francis Saura led the charge, tallying a game-high 13 points on 10 attacks, two blocks, and an ace in the 71-minute win. Jude Garcia chipped in 11 points on seven attacks, three blocks, and one ace.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Masaya ako sa nagawa ng team namin. Nanalo kami ngayon kasi as much as possible, sinusunod namin ‘yung sistema ni Coach Tai (Bundit) which is maganda naman ‘yung resulta,” said Saura.
“That’s why nag-5-0 kami sa awa rin ng Diyos, so talagang sumusunod lang kami sa sistema ni Coach Tai,” he added.
Lucca Mamone and Poy Colinares also stepped up with seven points apiece, while Nico Almendras contributed five. Jaron Requinton, Rex Intal, and Kennedy Batas added three points each.
Adrian Villados, who was coming off a 38-set performance against National University-Archipelago Builders, dished out 18 excellent sets against the Cabstars.
Criss Cross also showcased its efficiency, committing just nine errors while capitalizing on AEP-Cabstars’ 22 miscues to complete the sweep.
The King Crunchers dominated across the board, outscoring the Cabstars in attacks, 39-31, blocks, 11-5, and service aces, 3-2.
Criss Cross will shoot for its sixth consecutive victory against ClearSkiiin on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars absorbed its second straight defeat to fall to 1-4, remaining ninth in the standings.
Dave Lardizabal was the lone double-digit scorer for the Cabstars with 10 points, while John Santiagudo and Leo Aringo added eight and six points, respectively, in the loss.
AEP-Cabstars will look to return to the winning column against NU on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
