Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross downs Cignal anew for 8-0 slate
Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton all smiles during a victory over Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.–Photo from Spikers’ Turf
MANILA, Philippines — Criss Cross turned to Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton to assert its mastery over defending champion Cignal, 19-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Friday night at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The King Crunchers completed a two-round elimination round sweep of the HD Spikers, who beat them in the past two Spikers’ Turf conference finals last year, to cruise to an 8-0 record.
Requinton continued his breakout season with a game-high 18 points — all on attacks — and had a steady floor defense with 18 excellent receptions. Garcia, a two-time MVP, also delivered 18.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross goes 7-0, Cignal escapes Savouge
“The team just worked really hard. Even though we lost the first set, we quickly moved on and focused on the next. I told them, ‘It’s the second set now, let’s just lock in and play our game,’” said Requinton in Filipino.
Nico Almendras also stepped up with 14 points and seven digs. Ish Polvorosa had another day at the office with 28 excellent sets to pace Criss Cross, which also drew solid outings from middle blockers Gian Glorioso and Kim Malabunga contributing 13 and 10 points, respectively. Manuel Sumanguid took care of the floor with 16 digs and 16 receptions.
Cignal slid to a 6-2 record with Steven Rotter leading the way with 17 points. JP Bugaoan had 14 points, as Jau Umandal returned from a two-game absence due to a hyperextended knee and had nine points only to exit the game early in the fourth set with visible discomfort.
Meanwhile, Savouge claimed the third semifinals berth after sweeping Alpha Insurance, 25-12, 25-21, 25-21.
Mark Calado led the Spin Doctors’ bounce-back win with 15 points and seven excellent receptions. Madz Gampong chimed in with 13 points and seven digs, while Shawie Caritativo had another all-around game with 10 points, 16 excellent receptions, and five digs.
Savouge improved to a 5-3 record to join rivals Criss Cross and Cignal i in the semifinals.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross hands Cignal its first loss via sweep
“This is the mindset we’ve been working on – fighting until the end. I told them to let go of our last game against Cignal because we did our best. Today, they weren’t aware that we had already secured a semifinal spot because I didn’t want them to think about it. I just wanted them to play and finish Round 2 strong. The result turned out well, and I’m happy it worked out,” said Savouge coach Sydney Calderon in Filipino.
“You can see the improvement in Calado and Gampong’s receiving and defense. The team is really coming together, and we are more than ready for the semifinals.”
Alpha Insurance, which was led by Vince Nadera’s 14-point effort, fell to a 2-6 record and will clash with VNS_Laticrete for the last semifinal berth on Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
VNS-Laticrete lived another day after ousting the undermanned PGJC-Navy, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19.
CJ Segui kept the Griffins’ playoff hopes alive with 17 points on an efficient 16-of-28 attacking clip, while also contributing 10 excellent receptions.
