Criss Cross King Crunchers during a Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite losing Kim Malabunga to a freak accident during the warm-up, Criss Cross still had a dominant Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference debut, sweeping VNS, 25-14, 25-15, 25-15, on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Malabunga, the Alas Pilipinas captain, landed awkwardly on a ball and dislocated his right ankle and spraining his left. He was put in a wheelchair and left the court before the game started.
Led by open Conference MVP Jude Garcia, King Crunchers stayed focused to sweep the Griffins in just 67 minutes.
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“We talked about not letting what happened affect us because, first of all, that’s part of the game. What we did was focus on what we practiced,” said Garcia who 18 points off 16 kills and two blocks.
Newcomers Francis Saura and Nico Almendras showed strong debuts for the with 13 and eight points, respectively.
Middle blockers Chu Njigha and Gian Glorioso stepped up in the absence of Malabunga, adding six points each.
“It’s great, really overwhelming because all the new members of our team contributed. Their addition has been a huge factor for us,” said Garcia as they dominated in spiking, 47-27.
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Charles Segui had eight points on top of six excellent digs and five excellent receptions for VNS. Howard Guerra and Kenneth Daynata added six points each.
Meanwhile, D’Navigators overcame Chichi DHTSI Brotherhood in five sets, 21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, 15-6, with Kyle Villamor shining bright with 21 points.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect game. You can’t execute everything in a match exactly as you do in training. But with strong communication, we were able to adjust and get the win,” said Villamor, who nailed 18 kills and three blocks.
Jayvee Sumagaysay contributed to the D’Navigators with 13 points. Madz Gampong and Barbie San Andres had 12 points apiece. Rash
Nursiddik chipped in 10 points, while Steven Sta. Maria delivered six points in the clutch.
The start wasn’t so good. I don’t know, it’s hard to explain because we trained well. From the very start, the training was good,” said coach Boyet Delmoro.
Matt Miguel led Chichi with 17 points, while Jonathan Sorio and Christian Alicante chipped in 13 points each.