Marck Espejo led the charge as Criss Cross inched closer to its third consecutive Finals appearance with a dominant 25-20, 25-15, 25-11 victory over VNS-Laticrete in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
In just his second game back with the King Crunchers, Espejo delivered 14 points, tallying 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while also contributing four excellent digs as a starter.
His performance helped propel Criss Cross to the brink of a Finals berth in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Nung natapos naman ako sa Japan, tuluy-tuloy lang din. Siguro ang adjustment ko na lang is ‘yung weather. Medyo naga-adjust din sa training ni coach Tai [Bundit]. Iba ‘yung training compared sa Japan,” said the former league MVP, who arrived in the country last Saturday night.
“Sa load naman na binibigay ni coach sa training, nakaka-adjust agad ako,” added Espejo, who had five points off the bench in his debut last Sunday.
After a sluggish start in the opening set, Criss Cross quickly found its rhythm and overpowered the young Griffins in the next two frames, securing the victory in just an hour and eight minutes.
The win improved their record to 2-0 in the semifinals and 12-0 overall in the tournament, which is supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Nico Almendras provided solid support with 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks, while reigning MVP Jude Garcia contributed nine markers.
Setter Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets while adding three points and six excellent digs. The King Crunchers can officially clinch a Finals spot if Cignal defeats Savouge later in the day.
Criss Cross overwhelmed VNS with relentless attacks, converting 37 of 78 attempts while also tallying 10 blocks in the convincing win.
Now just one match away from sweeping the semifinals, the King Crunchers will look to complete the job against defending champion and longtime rival HD Spikers on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, VNS is on the verge of elimination after suffering its second straight loss in the round-robin semifinals.
Rash Nursidddik was the lone double-digit scorer for the Griffins with 10 points, including eight attacks and two kill blocks, while team captain CJ Segui was held to just nine markers in the defeat.
VNS will try to keep its slim hopes alive when it faces the Spin Doctors on Sunday at 3:30 PM.
