National University star Nico Almendras will kick-start his post-collegiate journey with Criss Cross.
The King Crunchers announced the arrival of the Alas Pilipinas standout on Saturday night, making him their first signing since losing to powerhouse Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals last May.
Almendras, a three-time UAAP champion, recently helped the Bulldogs clinch a rare four-peat in men’s volleyball with their victory over the University of Santo Tomas in the finals, punctuating his impressive collegiate career.
The 24-year-old outside spiker is also a two-time Spikers’ Turf champion, powering NU-Sta. Elena to the 2022 Open Conference and 2023 Invitational crowns.
Almendras is part of the Alas Pilipinas pool that will compete in the FIVB World Championship.
He will team up with King Crunchers star Marck Espejo and reigning Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia.
This time around, he will no longer be playing alongside Joshua Retamar, who has signed with Cignal.
In its first taste of action in the Spikers’ Turf, Criss Cross immediately made waves and soared to the finals of the 2024 Open Conference.
Unfortunately, the King Crunchers fell to the Bryan Bagunas-led HD Spikers via sweep.
