Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross aims high even without Marck Espejo

FILE–Criss Cross King Crunchers celebrate a point in a Spikers’ Turf Open Conference game. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Criss Cross is eager to reach the top of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference even without superstar Marck Espejo.

After settling for a runner-up finish in their Spikers’ Turf debut in the Open Conference, the King Cruncher hope to capture the crown this time with new key players like Nico Almendras and Francis Saura as they face nine teams including rival Cignal.

Espejo, who arrived late in the Open Conference after a successful title run in South Korea, will be missing the whole duration of the tournament due to his duties for the Kubota Spears in Japan V.League.

READ: Criss Cross banners 10-team Spikers’ Turf Invitationals

But libero Manuel Sumanguid believes the team remains formidable with Open Conference Jude Garcia leading the way bolstered by newcomers Almendras and Saura.

“Marck was a big factor in our team as our ‘go-to guy’ but I’m glad that Jude stepped up also last conference,” said Sumanguid, a five-time Best Libero winner. “The adjustment of Nico and Francis went smooth since we’ve been teammates before in the national team. Both of them have adapted well to the team. We’re working as a unit toward our goals for this tournament,” added Sumanguid.

Sumanguid said that they will continue to embrace the “happy, happy” mantra of coach Tai Bundit, which worked wonders for Ateneo in UAAP women’s volleyball and the first championships of Creamline in the PVL. 

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross turns to Espejo in finals-clinching win

“We will continue to bring the ‘happy happy’ mentality ni coach Tai this conference,” said Sumanguid. “We have a bigger goal now – to reach the top – but we want to play every game with joy and focus.”

“Whether it’s a crucial match or not, our aim is to handle each game with grit and determination,” he added.

Criss Cross will begin its title campaign against VNS on Wednesday next week at 4 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. 

Sumanguid is elated to compete in the 10-team field, which also features two collegiate squads and V-League finalists, Far Eastern University-DN Steel and De La Salle University-EcoOil

“We are grateful that the Spikers’ Turf is back and happy ako na may college teams din na kasali. It’ll be an exciting conference. Me and my teammates worked really hard during our offseason training with coach Tai and pinagtrabahuhan namin as a team yung lapses and mistakes namin from last conference,” Sumanguid said.