Criss Cross advanced to the semifinals with a dominant 25-8, 25-13, 25-7 victory over Chichi DHTSI in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
King Crunchers head coach Tai Bundit gave extended minutes to the second stringers, but it was still Gian Glorioso who stole the spotlight with an impressive performance at the net.
His efforts helped Criss Cross improve to 7-1, tying Cignal at the top of the standings.
Glorioso finished with 15 points, including eight attacks, five kill blocks, and two service aces. The win marked Criss Cross’ fifth consecutive victory and ended Chichi DHTSI’s hopes of a win in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Obviously, I’m very happy with our performance,” said the middle blocker from Ateneo.
“Napag-usapan naman namin na no matter sinong kalaban, we always give our hundred percent to give respect din sa kung sinong kalaban namin. Kailangan ibigay namin ‘yung lahat ng pwede naming ibigay.”
The Rebisco-backed squad dominated with 47 attacks, 14 blocks, and four service aces in just 53 minutes. In contrast, Chichi DHTSI had only 18 attacks and no blocks or aces.
Francis Saura contributed 12 points, including five kill blocks, while Chu Njigha added 11 points. Jaron Requinton and Jude Garcia scored seven points each, and Nico Almendras chipped in six, playing only in the first set.
Rookie setter Adrian Villados provided 12 excellent sets after taking over from Ish Polvorosa in the second and third sets.
Criss Cross will aim for the number one seed when they face Savouge in the final elimination round game on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, Chichi DHTSI ended the tournament in last place with a 0-9 record. Quirt Marinas and team captain Jonathan Sorio led the Titans with six and five points, respectively.
In another match, PGJC-Navy strengthened its semifinal bid with a 25-9, 25-17, 25-20 victory over Martelli Meats.
The Sealions, competing for the last semifinal spot against Savouge (5-2) and La Salle-EcoOil (4-3), improved to 5-3 and moved up to fifth place in the standings.
“Happy naman kaming coaching staff kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung plano. Sabi namin must-win. Kung gusto pa naming ma-retain ‘yung pwesto namin sa semis, kung gusto naming umabot, kailangan naming manalo,” said Navy head coach Mike Santos.
Greg Dolor led Navy with 19 points on 15-of-18 shooting, three blocks, and one ace. Joeven Dela Vega added 13 points, while Marvin Villanueva chipped in nine.
Navy dominated at the net, outblocking Martelli Meats 10-1 and leading 8-1 in service aces.
The Sealions will face Cignal in a must-win match on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Martelli Meats, who had their first win last week against Chichi DHTSI, fell to 1-7 and tied with D’Navigators for eighth and ninth place.
Jerome Cordez, Angelo Reyes, and Lorenz Calayag led the Master Butchers with five points each.
Martelli Meats will look to finish their campaign on a high note against the D’Navigators on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
