Surging Criss Cross steamrolled past Alpha Insurance in straight sets, 25-10, 25-12, 25-11, to remain unbeaten at the start of the second round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The King Crunchers dominated from the opening set, capitalizing on the absence of Alpha Insurance’s top spikers — Vincent Nadera, Edward Camposano, and JJ Javelona — to strengthen their grip on the No. 1 spot with a perfect 6-0 record in the tournament organized by Spikers’ Turf.
Jude Garcia led all scorers with 13 points, delivering seven attacks, five kill blocks, and one ace, while also recording eight excellent receptions in Criss Cross’s swift 54-minute victory.
Jaron Requinton — who has scored at least 10 points in all six of the team’s matches — finished with 12 markers on an efficient 10-of-13 attacking clip, adding a block and an ace. Chu Njigha and Gian Glorioso contributed seven points each.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Super saya po na nanalo kami sa first game namin sa second round. Happy rin na nakapaglaro lahat ng teammates ko sa loob ng court, na may chance makapaglaro lahat this game. Ang saya ko po,” said Requinton.
“Pero dapat ‘di kami pakampante sa 6-0 na record namin, kasi ngayong second round mas kilala na kami ng mga kalaban. May chance na makabawi sila,” he added.
Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets, while Manuel Sumanguid anchored the floor defense with seven excellent receptions and six digs. Nico Almendras, Pemmie Bagalay, and Rex Intal each chipped in four points.
Criss Cross dominated in all facets of the game, finishing with 43 attacks, 14 kill blocks, and three service aces. In contrast, Alpha Insurance struggled offensively, managing only 18 attacks, two blocks, and no aces.
The King Crunchers aim to extend their winning streak to seven when they take on VNS-Laticrete on Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance, coming off a breakthrough win against PGJC-Navy last Wednesday, was quickly brought back down by Criss Cross, suffering their fifth loss in six outings.
Nadera, Camposano, and Javelona — Alpha Insurance’s top three scorers — sat out the match to rest. Francis Casas led the team with four points, while Reymond Sabanal and Kernel Ipulan added three each.
Alpha Insurance looks to bounce back when they face the short-handed PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 1:00 PM, hoping to return to the win column.
