Criss Cross revived its finals hopes after eliminating PGJC-Navy, 25-15, 25-16, 25-12, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Friday.
The King Crunchers improved to a 1-1 record with three points, tying their tormentor from last Wednesday, the D’Navigators.
“It’s progress from the last game, which we lost. Although there were still many errors, in this game, we enjoyed it more and have no regrets; we need to give our best,” said Criss Cross outside spiker Marck Espejo, who returned to the first six after coming off the bench in the last three games.
Espejo had his best game this conference with 17 points on 14-of-25 attacks and three blocks, along with nine excellent receptions.
Criss Cross, however, faces a tall task on Sunday, facing the unbeaten Cignal at 12 p.m. in the same venue.
Unlike their previous game against the D’Navigators, where they admittedly relaxed, the King Crunchers wasted no time against the Sealions, taking a 25-15 first set before following it up with a 25-16 second frame, where they held a block party with seven rejections.
Criss Cross didn’t let up until the third, turning it up a notch with a 25-12 finisher.
Jude Garcia added 10 points for the King Crunchers, while Ysay Marasigan and Kim Malabunga chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.
The Sealions dropped to 0-2, and even if they force a triple tie at 1-2 after Sunday’s matches, they will lag in the set ratio tiebreak system.
Greg Dolor was the lone player for Navy in double figures with 10 points, as Joeven Dela Vega still struggled, with just five points.
Navy will finish its campaign against the D’Navigators on Sunday at 10 a.m.
