Criss Cross shrugged off a second-set stumble to defeat PGJC-Navy in four sets, 25-15, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14, for a triumphant start to the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The King Crunchers showcased their deep arsenal right from their first match in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
Jaron Requinton led Criss Cross with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, while also contributing nine receptions and seven digs. Five other King Crunchers chipped in at least seven points each.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Nireremind lang din kami ni Coach Tai kung ano yung mga ginalaw namin sa Thailand, kung ano yung tinraining namin, yun yung iapply namin sa loob ng court kasi nawawala yung composure and happy happy sa loob ng court, so yun yung pinaparemind niya sa amin palagi every timeout,” said Requinton.
After the Sealions equalized at one set apiece, the King Crunchers regained control in the third frame as Marck Espejo and Jude Garcia joined forces in the latter stretch to seize back the lead.
Criss Cross then unleashed a decisive 10-1 run in the fourth set, turning a tight 9-8 contest into a commanding 19-9 advantage to seal the victory in one hour and 52 minutes.
Three-time league MVP Garcia added 15 points, while Espejo tallied 11 in three sets of action. New recruit Noel Kampton also made his mark with eight points in just two sets.
Poy Colinares and Kim Malabunga contributed seven points each in the win, helping Criss Cross join Cignal and Alpha Insurance as opening-day winners.
The King Crunchers will return to action on Friday at the Paco Arena when they take on the VNS Griffins.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Greg Dolor led the Sealions with 19 points, while Jhon Robert Raquiza chipped in 14 in the loss.
PGJC-Navy will look to bounce back on Wednesday, also at the Paco Arena, when it faces UST-Gameville.
Games are broadcast live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand options available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed through spikersturf.ph.
