Criss Cross proved its championship credentials with a stunning four-set victory over defending titleholder Cignal, prevailing 19-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19 in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Thursday night.

The King Crunchers rebounded from an early setback, unleashing relentless firepower to sweep the next three sets. This win marked their second triumph over the HD Spikers in as many rounds, further solidifying their grip on the tournament’s top spot.

Dominant Team Effort

At the heart of Criss Cross’ victory was libero Manuel Sumanguid’s defensive brilliance and Ish Polvorosa’s exceptional playmaking. Polvorosa’s precise sets turned every possession into an offensive opportunity, feeding Jude Garcia, Nico Almendras, and Jaron Requinton for unstoppable attacks.

Criss Cross extended their winning streak to eight matches, just two wins shy of a perfect eliminations campaign. They will next face the Savouge Spin Doctors on Sunday before clashing with the Navy Sealions on Wednesday.

Hungry for the Championship

With two runner-up finishes against Cignal last season, Criss Cross is determined to claim the elusive title.

“The team worked really hard. Even after losing the first set, we quickly regrouped and focused on the next,” said Jaron Requinton, who led the team with 18 points—all from attacks.

The King Crunchers asserted their dominance in the fourth set, racing to a commanding 15-8 lead with Requinton, Almendras, Glorioso, and Malabunga leading the charge.

Jude Garcia, the back-to-back MVP, matched Requinton’s output with 18 points and 16 receptions. Almendras added 14 points and seven digs, while middle blockers Glorioso and Malabunga contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Sumanguid anchored the defense with 16 digs and 16 receptions, while Polvorosa registered 28 excellent sets in a masterclass performance.

Cignal Falls Short

Despite a 17-point effort from Steven Rotter, Cignal dropped to a 6-2 record. JP Bugaoan chipped in 14 points, while Jau Umandal, returning from injury, managed nine before exiting early due to discomfort. Wendel Miguel, who had 15 points in their previous encounter, was held to just one.

Cignal aims to bounce back against the Navy Sealions in their next match.

A Statement Win

Criss Cross turned what was a tight contest into a dominant showcase of their superiority. Leading 8-all in the fourth set, they unleashed a four-point run, with Malabunga’s ace sparking the momentum shift. Cignal’s brief rally was quickly snuffed out, as Requinton and Garcia spearheaded a final offensive surge.

The King Crunchers’ high-powered attack overwhelmed Cignal, whose offense struggled to break through the tight net defense. A thunderous Almendras kill and a crushing Requinton strike sealed the victory, underscoring Criss Cross’ status as the team to beat.

With their sights set on an undefeated eliminations campaign, the King Crunchers are inching closer to the championship they have long been chasing.