Gian Glorioso has proven he’s ready to step up whenever Criss Cross calls his number.
With King Crunchers’ starting middle blocker Kim Malabunga sidelined by injury, Glorioso rose to the occasion, helping his team secure the top spot in the elimination round of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. His exceptional performances have been instrumental in Criss Cross’ league-best 8-1 record and their advancement to the semifinals.
The 6-foot-4 standout delivered a stellar 15-point performance in a dominant 25-8, 25-13, 25-7 sweep over the also-ran Chichi DHTSI Brotherhood last Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Glorioso tallied eight attacks, five blocks, and two aces in the victory.
Just four days later, the Ateneo de Manila University alumnus shone again with a 10-point outing, including three kill blocks, leading Criss Cross to a 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 win against fellow semifinalists Savouge Spin Doctors at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Thanks to his back-to-back standout performances, Glorioso was named the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of November 25 to December 1.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“’Yung collective goal lang [is] to win the championship. ‘Yun lang naman. I just want to do my best to help the team in any way that I can,” Glorioso shared when asked about his mindset.
The recognition was unanimous, with print and online reporters covering the league selecting him over other contenders, including teammate Nico Almendras, Cignal’s Mark Calado, Eugene Gloria of EcoOil-La Salle, PGJC-Navy’s Greg Dolor, and Savouge’s Shawie Caritativo.
Glorioso is now the second King Cruncher to earn the Player of the Week nod this conference, following Jude Garcia’s back-to-back honors earlier in the tournament.
Reaching the semifinals is just the beginning for Glorioso and Criss Cross, who are determined to avenge their runner-up finish in the Open Conference.
“We’re more hungry [for a title] this conference kasi parang natikman na namin eh, like we were almost there, kulang na lang. So, definitely, we’re more motivated this conference and ‘yun din, tiwala din kami sa sarili namin na gawin iyong best namin,” Glorioso said.
Criss Cross will face a tough test in the round-robin semifinals, competing against perennial rival Cignal, DN Steel-Far Eastern University, Savouge Spin Doctors, and Japanese guest team Kondohgumi Hyogo.
The semifinal action begins on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. Fans can catch the games live or on-demand through the Pilipinas Live app and via the league’s official website, www.spikersturf.ph.
