Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross pounds Maverick in rousing debut

Criss Cross King Crunches’ Jude Garcia in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. –SPIKERS TURF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Criss Cross King Crunchers hosted a block party in their 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference as they nailed 20 kill blocks on the Maverick Hard Hitters,  25-8, 25-22, 25-11, on Friday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Rebisco’s newest volleyball squad was good as advertised as the King Crunchers imposed their will at the net, tallying 12 blocks in the opening set with Jude Garcia and Kim Malabunga forming a formidable frontline.

Garcia channeled coach Tai Bundit’s “Happy, Happy” and Heartstrong mantra to lead Criss Cross with 18 points built on 12 attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Malabunga had a game-high six blocks to finish with 11 points.

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“As coach told us, happy, happy, and heartstrong. That’s what led to our 20 blocks,” said Garcia in Filipino. “It felt good because we were able to apply the things that coach Tai taught us in less than two months. Coach Tai showed his trust in all the players in this game.

Thai tactician Bundit had a dominant Spikers’ Turf debut — and Philippine volleyball comeback after three years — beating their fellow new team in just 78 minutes.

“We were able to execute the teachings of coach Tai in practice,” said team captain Ysay Marasigan in Filipino. “It was a good performance overall but we have to learn from the second set, where we weren’t able to adjust right away as it took time for us to gain momentum.”

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Setter Ish Polvorosa dished out 17 excellent sets to anchor the King Crunchers’ efficient 38-of-65 attacking rate with Marasigan and Jaron Requinton chipping in eight points each.

Maverick received a rude welcome in the Spikers’ Turf as no one scored in double figures with Kim Tan leading the squad with nine points.

Marasigan hopes to sustain the momentum for Criss Cross next Friday when it battles VNS-Nasty at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“We will prepare for VNS by scouting their debut game. We have to correct our lapses and go back to the system that coach Tai wants for us,” he said.

The Maverick Hard Hitters try to bounce back against PGJC-Navy, which lost to Cignal on opening day, on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.

Meanwhile, Savouge Aesthetics also debuted in style as it staved off the gritty VNS-Nasty, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17.

Norwel Sanama led the Spin Doctors with 15 points. Charlee Magpayo and Lorenz Senoron had seven and six points, respectively. Setter Rey Taneo dished out 10 excellent sets, as libero Rikko Marmeto protected the floor with 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs.

“I told them to respect the opponent and make sure to follow my policy not to let your guards down even if we’re leading,” said Savouge coach Sammy Acaylar.

Savouge took advantage of VNS’ 31 errors to prevail in 79 minutes.

VNS leaned on former University of the East Red Warrior Kenneth Culabat, who debuted with 12 points, 13 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs. Wewe Medina added 11 points and 12 excellent receptions.