Criss Cross Makes Light Work of AEP-Cabstars to Stay Perfect in Spikers’ Turf

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Criss Cross rested four of its key players and barely felt their absence. The King Crunchers swept AEP-Cabstars, 25-15, 25-12, 25-20, on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Filoil Centre to stay perfect in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

Noel Kampton, Amil Pacinio, Manuel Sumanguid and Lloyd Josafat sat out, but the rest of the roster filled the gap with ease. The win moved Criss Cross to 5-0 and temporarily atop the standings.

Francis Saura led the King Crunchers with 13 points on 10 attacks, two blocks and one service ace. [PVL Images]

Criss Cross Depth Shines Against Cabstars

Francis Saura led the way with a game-high 13 points on 10 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Jude Garcia added 11 points on seven attacks, three blocks and one ace in the 71-minute win.

Saura said the team’s discipline made the difference. “Masaya ako sa nagawa ng team namin. Nanalo kami ngayon kasi as much as possible, sinusunod namin ‘yung sistema ni Coach Tai (Bundit), which is maganda naman ‘yung resulta,” he said.

Saura then explained how the 5-0 start came together. “That’s why nag-5-0 kami sa awa rin ng Diyos, so talagang sumusunod lang kami sa sistema ni coach Tai,” he added.

Lucca Mamone and Poy Colinares chipped in seven points apiece, while Nico Almendras posted five. Jaron Requinton, Rex Intal and Kennedy Batas added three points each.

Adrian Villados, coming off a 38-set outing against National University-Archipelago Builders, dealt 18 excellent sets against the Cabstars. He kept the King Crunchers’ attack humming throughout the match.

Spikers’ Turf Standings and Next Games

Criss Cross committed just nine errors, while AEP-Cabstars gifted 22 miscues. The King Crunchers also won the attack battle, 39-31, and led in blocks, 11-5, and service aces, 3-2.

Criss Cross will shoot for its sixth straight victory against ClearSkiiin on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. at the Filoil Centre. The King Crunchers will aim to keep their unblemished record intact.

AEP-Cabstars absorbed a second straight loss to fall to 1-4 and remain ninth in the standings. Dave Lardizabal was their lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.

John Santiagudo and Leo Aringo added eight and six points, respectively, in the loss. AEP-Cabstars will look to return to the winning column against NU on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.