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Action between Criss Cross and EcoOil La Salle in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 24, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross weathered a third set stand by EcoOil La Salle to claim a 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 victory in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
With the result, the King Crunchers extended their winning streak to four matches. At 6-1, they are currently tied for second place in the league standings with rivals Cignal HD, just behind DN Steel-Far Eastern University (7-1).
"Pinaghandaan pa rin naman namin sila. Of course, 'yung first few games nila peak talaga 'yung laro and hindi namin talaga minamaliit 'yung labas ng laro nila sa game namin ngayon. Ini-expect pa rin namin na mag all-out sila," said Criss Cross captain Ysay Marasigan.
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Trailing 0-2, the Green Oilers regrouped in the third set in a bid to extend the match.
They tied the count at 19, only to commit five unforced errors at the worst possible time. Their miscues opened the door for Jude Garcia to fire the pipe attack that wrapped up the match in the King Crunchers' favor.
"Actually nakukulangan pa ako sa performance namin kasi sa mga ganoong bagay dapat 'yung maturity na talaga 'yung lumalabas sa amin kasi matatanda na kami and collegiate 'yung kalaban namin," said Marasigan.
Criss Cross will face winless Chichi DHTSI on Wednesday with the King Crunchers closing out their preliminary schedule against Savouge next Sunday, a clash that will likely determine their path to the semifinals.
Reigning Open Conference MVP Garcia led Criss Cross anew with 20 points on 18-of-26 attacking rate while also posting eight excellent receptions, while Nico Almendras backed him up with 11 points and nine receptions as the King Crunchers dominated the attacking department, 47-34.
Rui Ventura led the charge for the Green Oilers with 11 points, while Eugene Gloria added seven markers. However, top hitter Noel Kampton, playing through illness, struggled to find his rhythm, contributing only four points.
This is La Salle's third straight loss, dropping their record to 4-3 for a share of fifth with Navy.