Semis-bound Criss Cross dominated the first two sets before closing out a tight third to complete a 25-12, 25-18, 25-22 sweep of VNS-Laticrete in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The King Crunchers secured their semifinal spot last week following the fifth losses of the Griffins and PGJC-Navy.
They strengthened their grip on the top seed with a flawless 7-0 record in the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
Criss Cross capitalized on VNS’ sloppy play late in the third set, fending off the young Griffins’ attempt to force a fourth and sealing the straight-sets victory.
VNS, led by middle blocker Rash Nursiddik, stayed within striking distance of the King Crunchers in the latter part. However, back-to-back net faults by CJ Segui allowed Criss Cross to pull away with a four-point lead, 22-18.
Nursiddik and Chu Njigha traded blows in the following plays before EJ Gero went down the line to slice the lead to just three, 20-23. Jan Mangulabnan then committed a crucial service error that pushed the King Crunchers to match point.
Segui and KC Culabat tried to save the day for the Griffins with back-to-back conversions, but it was not enough.
Rex Intal sealed the win with a quick, putting an end to the match after an hour and 17 minutes of play.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Nung third set, I think lumabas yung konting complacency namin doon sa game. That’s not something that we should be proud of, dapat every time we step on the court, one hundred percent dapat,” said Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa.
“It’s something that we have to learn from. Every game naman may mapupulot kami,” he added
Polvorosa continued his stellar play for the King Crunchers, tossing 19 excellent sets to go along with four points, built on three service aces.
Jude Garcia topped the scoring column for Criss Cross, who remained unbeaten in the tournament backed by Arena Plus and Mikasa, with 11 points, seven excellent receptions, and six excellent digs.
Nico Almendras had 10 points and five excellent digs, while Njigha and Jaron Requinton chipped in nine points each. This is the first time that Requinton failed to hit the double-digit mark in this conference.
Criss Cross puts its unbeaten slate at stake when they go up against defending champion Cignal — which they beat via straight sets in the first round — on Friday, 6:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
On the other hand, VNS suffered its third consecutive loss of the tournament. It falls to the fifth spot, tied with PGJC-Navy with identical 1-6 records.
Segui was the lone bright spot for the Griffins, with 12 points and 11 excellent digs. Nursiddik and Culabat added nine and eight points, respectively, in the loss.
VNS looks to snap its skid against the Sealions, also on Friday at 3:30 PM.
