Being a rookie on a championship-caliber team comes with its own set of challenges, but setter Ariel Cacao and opposite spiker Amil Pacinio are proving that inexperience will not stop them from contributing to Criss Cross’ title defense.
The two newcomers are already making their presence felt for the King Crunchers in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, embracing every opportunity to help the squad pursue a third consecutive crown.
With Criss Cross boasting an experienced core, Cacao and Pacinio understand that earning playing time is never guaranteed.
But whenever their number is called, both are determined to make the most of their opportunities. They did just that last Wednesday, helping the King Crunchers secure a 24-26, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23 victory over ClearSkiiin at the Filoil Centre.
Recognizing his team’s slow start against a determined UV Smashers side in the opening set, Criss Cross head coach Tai Bundit opted for a double substitution, bringing in Cacao and Pacinio for Adrian Villados and Jaron Requinton by the second technical timeout.
The King Crunchers were trailing just 13-16 when the two rookies entered, but ClearSkiiin managed to string together four unanswered points to extend its lead to 20-13. Cacao and Pacinio, however, helped Criss Cross regain its footing, contributing to the team’s blistering 11-4 rally that forced a 24-all deadlock.
Although the King Crunchers eventually dropped the extended opening set, Cacao and Pacinio, alongside fellow rookie Kennedy Batas, did enough to earn Bundit’s trust and remain on the floor for the succeeding frames.
They repaid that confidence by helping Criss Cross turn the tide and secure the hard-fought victory, keeping the defending champions unbeaten atop the standings with a perfect 6-0 record.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
“Pinipilit ko maging ready palagi, all the time, kasi kapag may opportunity na ipasok ako ni Coach Tai, kailangan i-grab ko ‘yun,” said Cacao, who came out of Far Eastern University.
“Alam naman natin, sa Criss Cross, maraming key players. Kailangan mag-step up every game. Kung sino ‘yung gagamitin, binigyan ako ng chance to play ngayon, so ginawa ko ‘yung best ko,” added the former Ateneo de Manila University standout.
Both rookies have steadily grown into their roles over the team’s previous outings, but their latest performance marked another significant step in their development.
Cacao orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets and four points, while Pacinio delivered his best performance of the tournament, pouring in 20 points for the King Crunchers.
Their growing confidence, however, has not come without guidance. Both rookies credited Criss Cross’ veteran core for helping them navigate the adjustments and demands of competing in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league.
“Sa akin po, ‘yung mga kuya po namin, feel ko sobrang okay po kasi lagi pong ginagabayan kami nila. Kasi sila ‘yung sa mga adjustments in terms of maturity sa paglalaro, sa system,” said Cacao.
“Sobrang thankful and grateful kami sa teammates namin kasi nag-step up lahat today, and ‘yung effort ng bawat isa kaya nakuha namin,” added Pacinio.
Still, both rookies know that the trust they have earned is something they must continue to uphold. They remain committed to carrying their hard work and discipline into every game as they do their part in Criss Cross’ bid for a historic three-peat.
“Yun nga, ‘yung trust naman, hindi naman given ‘yun. Dapat i-earn ‘yun, so training pa lang, sinisimulan namin sa disiplina, sa effort, sa hard work. So ayun, para makita ni Coach Tai and ng mga teammates namin ‘yung ginagawa namin,” said Pacinio.
