Criss Cross’ second-stringers got the start against Hyogo and did not disappoint, disposing of the Japanese guest team, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 to complete the round-robin semifinals sweep in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena on Friday.
The King Crunchers’ bench players excelled for the 4-0 sweep in the semis, extending their winning streak to 10 games, while also giving their starters much-needed rest as they prime up for the championship match on Sunday against their arch-rival, Cignal HD Spikers.
The one-off finale, a rematch of the 2024 Open Conference title series, will be on Sunday, 6 p.m. at the same Pasig venue. Serving as curtain-raiser is the battle for third match between Savouge and FEU-DN Steel at 4 p.m.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Cignal took its elimination round game against Criss Cross in five sets but the King Crunchers retaliated in the semis with a four-set victory, making the gold medal game all the more a must-watch.
“Just like any other team, all of us players are prepared anytime to go in because we all train equally, the same amount of energy, so we also definitely wanted to carry that winning momentum from the semifinals into the championship,” said middle blocker Chu Njigha, who led Criss Cross with 15 points on 10 attacks and five blocks.
“We’re definitely as excited as everyone else who is anticipating the game on Sunday so yun super gigil, we really want to get that win of course. Nandito na tayo so might as well give our all,” he said about the championship game.
Jaron Requinton also shone brightly with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, while Pemie Bagalay and Francis Saura each delivered nine points.
Kim Malabunga, who sat out the first 11 games due to ankle injuries, also had eight points in just his second game back.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Kaito Onomichi made 15 points and five digs as KondohGumi finished their campaign winless but will treasure the lessons learned in the country’s men’s premier league.
Ryouma Kakimoto also tallied nine points for Hyogo, which expressed its admiration for the increasing level of play in the Philippines. Last year, they bagged bronze.
