Marck Espejo of Criss Cross attacks the defense of PGJC-Navy in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, October 26, 2025 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross weathered an impressive challenge from PGJC-Navy before finally taking care of business in the fourth set to open their campaign in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on a winning note.
The King Crunchers endured nervy moments before coming away with a 25-15, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14 triumph on Monday evening at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the result, they joined Cignal and Alpha Insurance atop the standings after Day 1 of the tournament.
But it was not a straightforward win for Criss Cross, who faltered in the second frame after cruising in the opener. They were again in danger of falling apart in the third but managed to regroup, leaning on Marck Espejo and Jude Garcia and defensive grit to edge their rivals in the closing stretch.
They played to their standards in the fourth set, unleashing a 10-1 scoring run that turned a slim 9-8 lead into a comfortable 19-9 advantage.
Jaron Requinton led Criss Cross with 17 points on 14 spikes, two aces and a block he laced with nine receptions and seven digs. Five other King Crunchers scored at least seven points apiece.
"Nireremind lang din kami ni coach Tai [Bundit] kung ano yung mga ginalaw namin sa Thailand, kung ano yung trinaining namin yun yung iapply namin sa loob ng court kasi nawawala yung composure and happy happy sa loob ng court so yun yung pinaparemind niya sa amin palagi every timeout," said Requinton.
Three-time league MVP Garcia led the way with 15 points, Espejo added 11 markers, while new recruit Noel Kampton also made an immediate impact, scoring eight points in just two sets.
The King Crunchers shoot for their second win against the VNS Griffins at the Paco Arena on Friday.
Greg Dolor paced the Sealions with 19 points while Jhon Robert Raquiza added 14 points.
PGJC-Navy will aim to bounce back against UST-Gameville on Wednesday, also at the Paco Arena.