Whether starting or coming off the bench, Jaron Requinton is always ready to give his all for Criss Cross.
Requinton earned the starting nod in Game 1 of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals with Alche Gupiteo sidelined by a minor right shoulder injury, and he made sure to deliver in the King Crunchers’ 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, 25-20 win over Savouge last Wednesday.
He finished with 18 points to go along with eight excellent digs, teaming up with Jude Garcia and Noel Kampton to put Criss Cross on the cusp of back-to-back titles.
“Parang iisipin mo na lang kasi ‘yung kapakanan ng team. ‘Yun na lang iniisip namin kasi, gaya ng sinasabi ng karamihan, kahit sinong ipasok sa amin sa loob ng court, magde-deliver at magde-deliver,” said Requinton.
“Kaya kailangan lang din naming maging ready, mga second stringers, every time na papasok kami sa loob ng court. Kasi wala, ‘yun lang talaga,” he added.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Requinton, who previously earned a starting role for the King Crunchers last year, has spent most of the Open Conference coming off the bench, largely due to the strong play of Gupiteo and Criss Cross’ deep wing rotation.
Still, regardless of his role, he has consistently found ways to contribute—whether on the court or from the sidelines—staying prepared whenever his number is called.
For him, individual minutes and roles take a back seat to winning, with team success remaining the ultimate priority as Criss Cross continues its bid for a first-ever Open Conference championship.
“May kinakausap akong mga tao na pampatibay ng mindset about diyan sa mga oras na wala ako sa loob ng court. Pero ang sinasabi lang nila sa’kin lagi, siyempre ang kailangan as a team, hindi naman to individual sport eh,” said the former UST beach volleyball standout.
“So teamwork—kung mananalo ang isa, mananalo kaming lahat. So walang negative na effect sa amin kung maglalaro kami o hindi,” he added.
His role in Game 2 remains uncertain, but Requinton vowed to stay locked in and ready, aiming to help the King Crunchers close out the series and secure the title.
