Criss Cross continued its dominant run in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, clinching a hard-fought 25-27, 25-21, 25-21, 26-24 victory over Cignal on Sunday, March 30, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The win completed a perfect 13-0 record for the King Crunchers and set up a much-anticipated best-of-three Finals showdown against the HD Spikers, whom they have now beaten three times this season.

Despite both teams already securing their championship berths, neither side held back in what turned into an intense battle. Criss Cross, eager to establish further dominance, bounced back from a first-set loss to claim the next three frames, powered by the steady playmaking of Ish Polvorosa, who delivered 27 excellent sets.

“This is the moment we’ve been working for, but we know that what happens in the Finals is what truly matters,” said Polvorosa. “We’re resetting everything and taking it one game at a time.”

Fourth-Set Drama and Decisive Plays

Cignal pushed the King Crunchers to the limit, with Steven Rotter and Wendel Miguel leading the charge. The HD Spikers gained a crucial edge late in the fourth set after Rotter’s consecutive down-the-line strikes broke a 21-all deadlock.

However, Nico Almendras responded with a powerful crosscourt hit, followed by a key block that put Criss Cross ahead 24-23. After a Polvorosa service error forced deuce, Jaron Requinton delivered a clutch down-the-line attack to regain the lead.

The match reached a dramatic climax when referees initially ruled JP Bugaoan’s quick attack in favor of Cignal, but a challenge reversed the decision, awarding the point—and the victory—to Criss Cross.

“We treated this like a Finals preview, and we’re glad to take this momentum with us,” said Almendras, who scored 15 points.

Key Contributions and the Road to the Finals

While Japan League veteran Marck Espejo saw limited action, Criss Cross still showcased its depth. Jude Garcia led the way with 19 points off 17 attacks and two blocks, while Requinton added 14 points. Gian Glorioso and Kim Malabunga contributed nine points each, reinforcing the team’s balanced attack.

For Cignal, Rotter finished with 18 points, including 17 attacks. Miguel had 13 points, while Lloyd Josafat added 11. Joshua Retamar, benched for much of the latter half in favor of EJ Casana, still managed 16 excellent sets.

With an undefeated record, Criss Cross is now just two wins away from completing a flawless championship run. However, Cignal, the defending champion, is determined to reclaim its crown.

The Finals trilogy kicks off on Wednesday, March 27, with both teams expected to bring their best in a battle for Spikers’ Turf supremacy.