Jude Garcia and Noel Kampton pulled Criss Cross out of a 2-1 set hole to survive a resilient VNS-Laticrete, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13. The defending champions clinched a Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals berth on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Garcia scored 19 points and Kampton added 18 despite sitting out the first two sets as the King Crunchers strengthened their hold on the top spot at 7-0. Criss Cross struggled for rhythm, with 26 unforced errors helping VNS take a 2-1 set lead.

Garcia, Kampton Spark Criss Cross Rally

Criss Cross claimed the fourth set before holding off VNS in the decider after more than two hours of play. Garcia led the fightback with 15 attacks and four of the team’s 18 kill blocks.

VNS fought back from an early deficit in the decider as Jau Umandal hammered back-to-back attacks and capped a personal 3-0 run with a block on Garcia to make it 9-all. Garcia answered with his own 3-0 run to restore Criss Cross’ three-point cushion at 12-9.

Umandal continued his scoring spree, while Kampton took over from Garcia on the other side as the teams traded blows. Criss Cross moved within a point at 14-11.

Setter Howard Guerra switched positions to deliver back-to-back hits and cut the gap to 13-14, but Kim Malabunga ended the rally with a floating ball over the net. It sealed the victory and Criss Cross’ semifinals berth.

Jaron Requinton added 12 points, while Malabunga chipped in 10, including three blocks. Nico Almendras posted five points, 20 excellent receptions and five excellent digs, and Adrian Villados dished out 16 excellent sets.

Garcia Reacts as VNS Pushes Back

Garcia said Criss Cross expected every team’s best. “Siguro ano lang, inaasahan din naman talaga namin na lahat ng teams eh makikipag-compete sa’min to the highest level kaya kailangan talaga namin trabahuhin every point, ‘wag talaga kami dapat mag-relax,” he said.

“Knowing naman lahat ng teams, prepared naman talaga. Kailangan talaga namin trabahuhin pa and doblehin lahat ng ginagawa namin kapag naglalaro kami para ‘di na maulit uli ‘yung kagaya nung ngayon,” he added.

Julius Arcillo turned in his best performance of the tournament with 26 points on 20 attacks, three aces and three blocks. Umandal tallied 25 points on 22 attacks and three kill blocks, plus 24 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.

Guerra dished out 24 excellent sets to go with six points, while libero Joshua Cruz registered 30 excellent receptions. Their efforts kept VNS within striking distance.

VNS closed its campaign with a fourth consecutive defeat despite pushing the defending champions to the limit, finishing 2-7. Criss Cross will try to keep its perfect record intact against 3B at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the same venue.