Criss Cross hosted a block party against D’Navigators Iloilo, securing a straight-set victory of 25-18, 25-14, 25-16 in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The King Crunchers, led by middle blockers Gian Glorioso and Rex Intal, recorded a total of 19 blocks in the one-hour and 24-minute match, improving their standings to 2-0, which puts them in third place.
Glorioso, a former Ateneo standout, posted a game-high 14 points, comprising eight kill blocks and six attacks, as Criss Cross handled D’Navigators with ease.
“Overall, I think it was a good performance. Obviously, we have some areas to improve on, some areas to work on pa. I would say naman na collective effort talaga every win,” said Glorioso after the match.
“No matter if naglalaro or not, sa training kasi nagsa-start ‘yung preparedness sa game eh so I would say lahat ng teammates ko… Collective effort talaga,” he added.
Rookie outside spiker Nico Almendras and Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia each contributed 13 points, with Garcia also registering 10 excellent receptions for the King Crunchers.
Meanwhile, skipper Ysay Marasigan added eight points and six excellent digs, while Intal chipped in with eight points and five rejections.
Ish Polvorosa provided 13 excellent sets to go along with four points, while John Pepito recorded nine excellent digs and five excellent receptions in the win.
The King Crunchers will face Finals rival Cignal next on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Philsports Arena, also in Pasig.
On the other hand, the D’Navigators fell to 1-2 in the standings after suffering their second consecutive loss.
Madz Gampong was the only double-digit scorer for the team with 11 points, followed by Edward Camposano and Vince Himzon with seven and six points, respectively.
The D’Navigators will look to snap their two-game skid against PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
