Criss Cross took down a determined PGJC-Navy squad in four sets, 25-17, 25-27, 25-20, 25-20, to secure its third consecutive win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The King Crunchers shrugged off a narrow defeat in the extended second set to overcome the shorthanded Sealions, who continue to battle with a depleted 12-man roster.
With the victory, Criss Cross temporarily claimed the top spot in the tournament organized by Sports Vision, improving to a 3-0 record.
Returning to action after missing the team’s season opener due to his wedding, Nico Almendras delivered his best performance of the conference. The high-flying outside hitter tallied 14 points off 12 attacks and two blocks while also recording 13 excellent receptions for Criss Cross.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya na nakuha namin ‘yung pangatlong panalo namin. Nung second set medyo marami kaming unforced errors, so ‘yung naging mindset ng team is bawasan ‘yung unforced errors nung third and last set,” said Almendras.
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With Navy threatening late in the fourth set, the King Crunchers turned a slim 21-19 lead into a commanding 24-19 advantage after a quick 3-0 spurt orchestrated by Jude Garcia and Pemmie Bagalay.
Greg Dolor momentarily kept Navy alive with an off-the-block kill, but Omar Lioc’s service error on the next play sealed the win for Criss Cross after two hours and six minutes of action.
Jaron Requinton, who had scored in double digits in the team’s first two matches, continued his stellar form off the bench with 12 points on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace.
Bagalay and reigning MVP Jude Garcia contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Setter Ish Polvorosa masterfully orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets while also chipping in four points. Meanwhile, Manuel Sumanguid anchored the floor defense with 14 excellent digs.
Criss Cross looks to extend its winning streak to four when it faces Savouge on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
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On the other hand, the Sealions, fresh off a five-set victory against VNS-Laticrete last Sunday, fell to 1-2 in the standings.
With Joeven Dela Vega still sidelined due to illness, Dolor carried the scoring load for Navy, erupting for 32 points built on 29 attacks and two kill blocks.
Jack Kalingking contributed 13 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, while Owen Suarez registered 14 excellent sets. John Ashley Jacob also stepped up with 14 points in the loss.
Navy will look to bounce back against defending champion Cignal on Sunday at 3:30 PM.
