Criss Cross reignited its fire after slipping in the first set and vented all its frustrations on PGJC-Navy, winning 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19, to boost its 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals drive on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Coming off a crushing five-set loss to Cignal last weekend, the King Crunchers improved their record to 5-1, securing the solo second spot,.
They also ended the Sealions’ dream five-game winning streak, causing them to fall to 5-2 in third place.
A win over the Philippine Air Force on Sunday at the same Pasig venue will give Criss Cross a semifinals ticket.
“Sumunod lang kami sa mga coaches kasi sila naman nakakakita mula sa labas eh. So finifeed lang sa amin sa loob at sinunod lang namin sila,” said setter Geuel Asia, who came off the bench in the second set onwards to steer the King Crunchers to the four-set triumph.
It was actually Navy that drew first blood with a 25-19 opening frame through the efforts of Joeven Dela Vega, Peter Quiel, and Greg Dolor.
The trio continued their exploits until late into the second set, 19-17.
But then the King Crunchers came alive. Kim Malabunga, Chu Njigha, Ysay Marasigan, and Jude Garcia linked up for a massive 8-1 finisher to equalize, 25-20.
From there, the momentum never left Criss Cross’ side.
Off-the-bench players Asia, Njigha, and Pemie Bagalay contributed really well along with the production of main guns Garcia, Malabunga, and Marasigan for the win in one hour and 56 minutes.
Asia ended up with 21 excellent sets to go with four points. Five King Crunchers scored at least seven, led by Garcia’s 21 points on 18 attacks and three blocks along with six digs.
Malabunga and Marasigan added 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Njigha finished with nine points in three sets of play.
Bagalay helped stabilize Criss Cross’ defense with 15 excellent receptions and four digs along with seven points as well.
Dela Vega led the Sealions with 20 points while Dolor chipped in 13 points as well in the loss. Jack Kalingking also stood out with 30 excellent receptions and eight digs.
Navy will close its preliminary round games on April 28 against D’Navigators at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
