Criss Cross held off a furious comeback from Savouge Aesthetics in a thrilling five-set duel at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Tuesday November 26, keeping their championship hopes alive in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. The King Crunchers overcame a late surge from the Spin Doctors to claim a 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 18-25, 15-12 victory, demonstrating poise and resilience under pressure.

Garcia and Requinton lead the charge

Three-time MVP Jude Garcia delivered 25 points on 24 attacks and an ace, while Jaron Requinton added 19 points, including three aces and a block, guiding Criss Cross to a pivotal win. Nico Almendras contributed 10 points alongside 13 excellent receptions, while middle blockers Poy Colinares and Gian Glorioso produced eight and seven points respectively, each with four blocks.

Setter Adrian Villados distributed 23 excellent sets, and liberos John Pepito and Manuel Sumanguid combined for 12 excellent receptions and 10 digs, reinforcing the team’s defense.

Despite clawing back from an 0-2 deficit and dominating the third and fourth sets, Savouge fell short in the fifth, forcing them into a must-win matchup against Kindai University on Thursday at 5 p.m. to remain in the title hunt. Reymark Betco and Mark Calado combined for key contributions, with Calado finishing with 23 points, while Daniel Nicolas added 15 and Giles Torres 14.

Final push sets up championship contention

The fifth set became a tug-of-war, with Garcia scoring five straight points to regain momentum at 12-9. Requinton then sealed the match with an off-the-block winner, ending a two-hour and 11-minute contest. This victory places Criss Cross in a three-way tie atop the semifinals standings at 3-1, setting up a decisive clash with UST-Gameville on Thursday at 1 p.m.