Criss Cross extended its mastery over Cignal with a thrilling five-set escape, 26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 15-12, to open the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on a winning note Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The King Crunchers joined Savouge Aesthetics and Kindai University as opening-day winners in the round-robin semifinals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Arena Plus, and Black Mamba.
Motivated by the league’s Big Dome debut, Jude Garcia flashed his MVP form, erupting for 28 points built on 22 attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces. He also added 13 excellent digs as Criss Cross remained unbeaten after eight games.
“Sobrang saya kasi first time [sa Araneta]. Kasi makakalaro ka lang dito, sa UAAP lang,” said the three-time league MVP.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The match was a nip-and-tuck affair until the final moments, with the King Crunchers taking a two-point lead following a Steven Rotter attack error that gave them a slim 13-11 advantage.
Ysay Marasigan was then called for a net violation after a successful challenge from the Super Spikers. But Rotter’s struggles continued as he committed a costly service error that put Criss Cross at match point, 14-12.
Adrian Villados rose for an emphatic block on the red-hot Jau Umandal and stared him down before meeting Umandal at the net. There, the Super Spiker extended his hand in a show of sportsmanship — a fitting end to a historic day for the league as it played inside the Big Dome for the first time.
“Kasi ngayon talagang thankful sa Spikers’ Turf kasi pinunta nila ‘yung liga dito sa Big Dome. Kumbaga talagang malaking level up sa men’s volleyball dito sa Pilipinas ‘yung ginawa nila. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung suporta ng mga fans,” added Garcia.
Jaron Requinton finished with 16 points on 14 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 14 excellent receptions in the King Crunchers’ two-hour, 27-minute win.
Noel Kampton added nine points, while Nico Almendras, Poy Colinares, and debuting Gian Glorioso — returning in his first game following a back and right knee injury — chipped in six points apiece.
Villados delivered 30 excellent sets along with three points and seven excellent digs. Meanwhile, John Pepito collected 14 excellent receptions for Criss Cross, who played without Kim Malabunga, Marck Espejo, Eco Adajar, and Lucca Mamone due to national team duties.
Criss Cross will face Kindai University next on Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
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On the other hand, Cignal was led by Rotter and Umandal with 25 and 21 points, respectively. Wendel Miguel contributed 11 points, while rookie libero Van Prudenciado finished with 27 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
The defending champions played without Alas Pilipinas stars Louie Ramirez, Owa Retamar, Lloyd Josafat, and Vince Lorenzo.
Games air live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand access available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
