Experience triumphed over youth as Criss Cross withstood Far Eastern University-DN Steel’s fearless challenge in a gripping five-set duel, 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 21-25, 17-15, to clinch the first semifinals berth in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
After falling short of a four-set finish, the battle-tested King Crunchers weathered a surge of youthful energy from the Tamaraws, prevailing in a tense decider to extend their flawless run to a league-best 5-0 record.
Three-time MVP Jude Garcia led the way against his alma mater, erupting for 24 points built on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while also tallying nine excellent digs.
Rookie standout Noel Kampton backed him up with 22 points on 19 attacks and three blocks, along with 16 excellent receptions.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“‘Yung first set nag-relax kami,” Kampton admitted, as the team endured a sluggish start before regaining control in the next two sets. “Feeling ko lang ‘to. Feeling ko siyempre college team eh, tingin namin nasa [semi-pro] kami, kaya namin sila.
“But sorry kasi nagkamali kami. Knowing FEU, ano talaga sila eh, they worked hard to earn the win. Ayun, happy naman ako kasi nanalo kami,” he added.
The fifth set turned into a nail-biter from start to finish. Criss Cross reached match point first after Mikko Espartero’s costly service error, putting the Rebisco-backed squad ahead, 14-13.
But the Tamaraws refused to fold. Kampton, eager to seal the win, sent a powerful jump serve that clipped the net. Lirick Mendoza then rose for a huge block on Jaron Requinton, giving FEU-DN Steel a lifeline at 15-14.
Garcia responded with a searing cross-court hit to tie the score, 15-all.
Moments later, Adrian Villados tipped a floating ball for the go-ahead point before Poy Colinares sealed the deal with a roof on Kyle Tandoc, helping the King Crunchers survive and officially eliminate the Tamaraws from contention in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
Villados continued to steer the offense efficiently, dishing out 31 excellent sets to go with two points.
Requinton added 15 points off 10 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Colinares chipped in 11 points for Criss Cross.
The King Crunchers will look to stretch their winning streak to six when they face the red-hot University of Santo Tomas-Gameville on Friday at 1:00 PM, still at the Paco Arena.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
FEU-DN Steel, on the other hand, bowed out of semifinal contention with a 1-4 record. It will try to finish strong against VNS at 10:00 PM on the same day.
Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 25 points, while Mendoza and Espartero chipped in 17 and 16, respectively, in the losing effort.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand access via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph
.
