Noel Kampton couldn’t help but soak in the moment on Sunday night — not just because of the high-stakes rivalry between Criss Cross and Cignal, but also because it reunited him with familiar faces from his De La Salle University days.
The former Green Spiker said it felt surreal to share the court — this time on opposite sides — with his college teammates JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao of Cignal, while also suiting up alongside fellow La Salle standouts Eco Adajar and Menard Guerrero at Criss Cross.
All five of them have now carved their own paths with top teams in the league.
“Sobrang happy lang sa’kin. Kanina nga dito, sabay kami ni Vince (Maglinao) nag-park. Nagkwentuhan lang kami, pinagusapan namin ‘yung La Salle [days] namin,” Kampton shared.
“Sinasabi ko talaga sa kanya na proud na proud ako na nasa Cignal siya.”
For Kampton, seeing all five of them thriving in the pros — now wearing different jerseys but still carrying the same La Salle pride — made the night even more special.
Beyond the intensity of the rivalry, it was a moment that reminded him how far they’ve come and how fulfilling it is to watch each other grow on the biggest stage.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Kasi alam mo ‘yun, hindi ako ‘yung teammate na gusto ko ako lang ‘yung aangat,” he said.
“Masaya ako na nakita ko ‘yung teammates ko na nandito rin sa Spikers’ Turf, kami kami rin ‘yung naglalaban. Sobrang proud lang ako.”
That pride translated into his play as well, as Kampton delivered a steady performance to help Criss Cross topple the defending champions in four sets, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18.
The win kept the King Crunchers as the lone unbeaten team in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational.
And he made sure to back up the emotion with numbers, finishing with 16 points built on attacks, while also tallying 11 excellent receptions.
The new environment has done wonders for Kampton, especially under the guidance of decorated mentor Coach Tai Bundit, whose trust has boosted his confidence early in the conference.
“‘Di ba ‘yung fourth set parang nawala na ‘yung laro ko, sinasabi niya lang sa’kin na, ‘You’re okay, you’re okay.’ Okay lang daw ‘yung nilalaro ko kahit pangit talaga,” Kampton recalled.
“Masarap din sa feeling na ‘yung kumpyansa ko, nakukuha ko [sa kanya] talaga. Like sobrang saya si Coach Tai — hindi lang si Coach Tai, lahat ng Criss Cross masaya talaga.”
