Criss Cross King Crunchers’ Jude Garcia during a 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference game. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite managing the load of its starters, Criss Cross flaunted its depth to complete a 10-game elimination round sweep with a 25-18, 25-17, 25-19 rout of the PGJC-Navy in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Jude Garcia, the only starter to play extended action, ended the double elimination round on a high note with 16 points built on 10 attacks, four blocks, and two aces to go with tallying 11 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Jaron Requinton, Nico Almendras, and setter Ish Polvorosa saw limited action, while middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Gian Glorioso sat out.
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But Chu Njigha stepped up for the unbeaten King Crunchers with 14 points off nine attacks, five blocks, and an ace, as birthday boy Geuel Asia took charge with 14 excellent sets.
“I would rate our performance an eight out of ten because we became complacent on the court. Maybe we relaxed too much in this game,” said Asia in Filipino.
Criss Cross King Crunchers’ Jude Garcia during a 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference game. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO
“This is a boost for us as a team and for each of us individually because we completed the sweep. But we won’t stop learning and fighting in the upcoming games.”
Veterans Ysay Marasigan and Rex Intal also made the most of their minutes, contributing nine and eight points, respectively, as Criss Cross enters the semifinal unscathed. It will face Cignal, Savouge, and VNS-Laticrete in another round-robin with the top two advancing to the finals.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Jaron Requinton thriving into a key cog
The Sealions ended their season with an eight-game losing streak and a 1-9 record after missing key veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, Marvin Hairami, and star player Joeven Dela Vega. John Ashley Jacob and Peter Quiel led PGJC-Navy with 10 and nine points, respectively.
Meanwhile, defending champion Cignal ousted Alpha Insurance in four sets, 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, to finish the elimination round with an 8-2 record — with two losses coming from its rival Criss Cross.
Vince Abrot led the charge with 15 points and also contributed 10 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Martin Bugaoan added 12 points, including five of the team’s 15 total blocks. JM Ronquillo tallied 11 points, while Louie Ramirez added 10 points and 11 excellent receptions.
Alpha Insurance fell short of reaching the semis as it ended its first Spikers’ Turf season with a 2-8 record. Vince Nadera posted a game-high 16 points, while Edward Camposano added 15 markers on 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to go with nine excellent receptions.
Savouge also ended its elimination round in style with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-22 sweep of semis-bound VNS-Laticrete.
Mark Calado sustained his lethal scoring form with 18 points and 10 excellent receptions as the Spin Doctors finished in third place with a 6-4 record.
Giles Torres had 11 points, including four of the team’s seven blocks, in just two sets of play. JC Enarciso tossed 14 excellent sets, while Rikko Marmeto and Bhim Diones registered 14 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs, respectively.
VNS slid to a 3-7 record but will make its return to the semifinals after missing the playoffs last year with CJ Segui leading the way for the Griffins with 15 points off 13 attacks, one block, and an ace in a losing cause.