Criss Cross did not give UST-Gameville any chance of denting its immaculate record, cruising to a dominant straight-sets win, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21, to move on the cusp of an elimination-round sweep in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The King Crunchers improved to 6-0, with the Alpha Insurance Protectors serving as their final hurdle in the all-local elimination round on Sunday before heading to the round-robin semifinals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Well aware of the capabilities of these dangerous collegiate squads — especially after needing five sets to outlast FEU-DN Steel and witnessing UST-Gameville stun Cignal — Criss Cross came fully prepared.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Coming from game namin sa FEU-DN Steel, sabi namin hindi porket collegiate team, hindi lalaban eh. Kumbaga, nandito sila kasi nag-qualify sila from V-League, which is hindi naman biro ‘yung liga,” said King Crunchers middle blocker Poy Colinares, who delivered 10 points, including four blocks.
“Saka ang men’s volleyball dito kahit anong edad mo, talagang sasabay at sasabay ka mapa-pro or collegiate.”
Criss Cross took Set 1 with a late surge from Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, and Adrian Villados, breaking a 19-all deadlock to secure the 25-22 opener.
The King Crunchers turned the second set into a rout, racing to a 17-5 advantage that proved insurmountable for the Golden Spikers.
UST-Gameville stayed within striking distance in the third, but Criss Cross’ composure and experience proved too much.
Garcia, Colinares, and Noel Kampton delivered the finishing blows after one hour and 18 minutes of action in the league also backed by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
Three-time MVP Garcia led Criss Cross with 19 points on 15 spikes, two blocks, and two aces, along with six digs. Requinton and Kampton chipped in eight points apiece.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The loss snapped UST-Gameville’s three-game winning streak, dropping the Golden Spikers to 4-2. They continue their push for a semifinals berth, where guest teams Kindai University (Japan) and ProVolley Academy (Australia) await.
Al-Bukharie Sali was the lone double-digit scorer for UST-Gameville with 12 points, while Josh Ybañez was limited to just seven.
UST-Gameville looks to clinch a semis ticket on Sunday when it battles fellow collegiate squad FEU-DN Steel at 5:00 PM.
