Criss Cross marched into the semifinal round of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday, Nov. 16, after erasing a sluggish opening frame to topple Alpha Insurance, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, at the Paco Arena.

The King Crunchers closed the preliminaries with a spotless 7-0 card despite missing key contributors Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, and Eco Adajar, who are currently with the national team preparing for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Taiwan. Their depth proved enough to weather Alpha’s early surge and complete the comeback.

Criss Cross steadies after slow opening to keep streak

Alpha Insurance opened with urgency, dominating the first set and pushing hard for a breakthrough semifinal berth. The Protectors stayed aggressive early in the second but failed to sustain their grip as Criss Cross gradually tightened its defense and turned the match around.

Once the King Crunchers seized control, the tempo shifted decisively. Their attacks grew more efficient, their block stabilized, and the match swung heavily in their favor through the final two sets, extending their unbeaten run after nearly two hours of play.

Alpha falls short as semis field takes shape

The loss dropped Alpha Insurance to 3-4 and outside the top four, clearing the path for Savouge Aesthetics and UST–Gameville to clinch slots in the round-robin semifinals, which will feature two foreign guest teams.

Jude Garcia spearheaded the Criss Cross charge with 24 points built on 18 attacks, two aces, and two blocks while also adding eight digs. Noel Kampton followed with 16 points, and Poy Colinares supplied eight. Nico Almendras delivered seven markers and 10 excellent receptions, while Rex Intal chipped in six.

Setter Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and contributed five points, including four blocks. His all-around performance helped Criss Cross maintain rhythm throughout its surge.

Alpha Insurance drew 14 points each from Barbie San Andres and Rocky Motol, while Vince Himzon and JJ Javelona tallied 10 apiece, but the Protectors could not stem the tide once Criss Cross found its momentum.