Gian Glorioso reigned over the net last Sunday, leading Criss Cross to an easy victory with an impressive blocking performance against D’Navigators Iloilo in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The former Ateneo standout delivered a remarkable eight kill blocks in the 25-18, 25-14, 25-16 win over the D’Navigators, finishing with a game-high 14 points in the one-hour, 24-minute contest.
Glorioso credited his teammates for his standout performance, attributing his success to the King Crunchers’ exceptional floor defense and solid service line showing. He also mentioned that his production was simply the result of hard work.
“Yung blocking obviously is something that I focus on. At the same time, nakakapag-focus ako sa blockings knowing na ‘yung mga teammates ko ginagawa nila ‘yung trabaho nila sa depensa, sa receive, sa serve,” said Glorioso after the win.
“Kung ano ‘yung pinapakita ko sa game, ‘yun lang din naman ‘yung tina-try kong practice-in sa training. Like I said, no matter who gets put in, prepared lang so with or without Kim, ready lang lagi to play,” he added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The 6-foot-4 middle blocker spearheaded Criss Cross’s formidable net defense against the D’Navigators, contributing to an impressive total of 19 blocks in their swift, straight-set victory, which put them in solo third with a 2-0 record in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Glorioso is making the most of his opportunity, especially with veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga sidelined with ankle injuries from a freak accident that occurred just minutes before their debut against VNS on October 16.
He came off the bench in their first game, playing only in the third set and contributing six points in the victory against the Griffins. Glorioso was then inserted into the starting lineup against the D’Navigators, replacing Chu Njigha.
“So first game without Kim, obviously we’re praying for his speedy recovery pero tuloy pa rin naman ‘yung tournament so kahit anong mangyari, we’re always just prepared. No matter who gets put on the court, prepared lang lagi maglaro and to deliver,” he said.
Catch all the action live on One Sports, One Sports+, and through the Pilipinas Live app, which will feature video-on-demand content. Matches will also be streamed on the official Spikers’ Turf website.
