Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross dominates VNS for back-to-back wins

Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Criss Cross asserted its dominance over young VNS-Nasty, taking a 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 sweep, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Friday night.

After requiring some time to distance themselves from the Griffins, the King Crunchers swiftly established a significant lead in the second set, starting 12-4, ultimately securing a 25-17 victory and a commanding 2-0 set advantage.

“To avoid overconfidence for this game, we simply took it one point at a time. In general, we’re approaching it one game at a time because we’re a new team, but we’re not new to each other. However, Coach Tai’s system is new to us,” said Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa, who celebrated his birthday with a victory.

SCHEDULE: 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference

Ysay Marasigan contributed nine points, Kim Malabunga added eight, and Jaron Requinton finished with seven points in just two sets of play, while Manuel Sumanguid anchored the defense with 13 excellent receptions and 13 digs.

Kenneth Culabat and Wewe Medina led the Griffins with 11 points each as they fell to a 0-2 record.

D’Navigators win in debut

D’Navigators’ Francis Saura. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO

Meanwhile,  D’Navigators rebounded from a third-set setback to defeat Air Force, 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19, marking a victorious debut.

Francis Saura spearheaded the D’Navigators with 21 crucial points, including 16 attacks and five blocks, securing the win in one hour and 58 minutes.

“The third set was critical; we relaxed a bit, which made it challenging for us to catch up, but in the fourth set, I just told them that we needed to seal the deal,” said D’Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro.

Bryan Jaleco and Louis Lumanlan teamed up for Air Force in the third set, leading to a strong start and a 25-17 victory to extend the match. However, new acquisitions Jayvee Sumagaysay and Edward Camposano, along with Saura, rallied for D’Navigators to clinch the win.

Arvin Estomata also made significant contributions for D’Navigators with 12 points and 12 receptions, while Camposano recorded 11 points and 15 receptions. Middle blockers Sumagaysay and Rash Nursiddik also delivered for D’Navigators with nine points each.

Air Force suffered its second consecutive defeat after winning its opening match, dropping to 1-2 and landing in the fifth spot. Jaleco showcased another impressive performance for the Airmen with 23 points and 19 receptions, while Pol Salvador contributed 13 points.