Criss Cross stayed flawless through five matches, fending off Savouge in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22, to tighten its hold on the lead in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday, November 5, at the Paco Arena.

Jude Garcia finished with a game-best 13 points, while rookie sensation Noel Kampton backed him up with 12 points built on seven attacks, three aces, and a block. The duo steered the King Crunchers to 5-0 in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Rebisco.

Kampton also showed his defensive range with six excellent receptions and five digs.

“Siempre pressure ’to — unbeaten ka, expected ka manalo,” said Kampton. “Pero for us, one game at a time. ’Wag muna isipin na 5-0.”

Criss Cross pulls away in third-set breakaway

In the third frame, Kampton drilled three aces in a 4-0 burst that turned a 17-15 edge into a 21-15 cushion. Savouge answered with a 4-0 rally behind Dan Nicholas, trimming the gap to 19-21, but setter Adrian Villados stopped the run with a quick drop before a net touch extended the lead.
Marck Espejo then sealed the match with a cross-court kill after earlier setting up match point.

Villados had 20 excellent sets and three points, while Jaron Requinon chipped in nine points and 10 excellent receptions. Rookie middle Edlyn Colinares added eight markers, including three of Criss Cross’ 11 blocks.

Savouge fights back but falls short

Giles Torres paced Savouge (2-2) with 10 points. Reymark Betco, who had tallied back-to-back 20-point games prior, was limited to nine markers. Shawie Caritativo posted nine points and 15 receptions, while Nicholas contributed eight off the bench.

Criss Cross aims to protect its unbeaten slate against UST-Gameville on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. Savouge faces PGJC-Navy earlier at 1 p.m.