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Action between Criss Cross and Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 16, 2025 at the Paco Arena in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross on Sunday completed a sweep of the elimination round of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference after surviving a tough challenge from Alpha Insurance.
The King Crunchers had to overhaul a one-set deficit before coming away with a 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 triumph at the Paco Arena for a 7-0 sweep of the preliminaries.
They got the job done even without Alas Pilipinas members Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga and Eco Adajar, all of whom are in Taiwan to prepare for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The result foiled Alpha Insurance's attempt to clinch a first-ever semis berth in the Spikers' Turf, as they finished fifth with a 3-4 win-loss record.
The Protectors’ loss thus opened the door for Savouge Aesthetics (4-3) and UST–Gameville (4-2) to secure spots in the round-robin semis featuring two foreign guest squads.
Desperate for a win to secure a top-four spot, the Protectors came out firing, dominating the opening set and carrying their momentum into the second, only to come up short against a relentless Criss Cross squad.
From there on, the King Crunchers took control, steadily pulling away in the third and fourth sets to secure the win after almost two hours of action.
Jude Garcia took control on offense, uncorking 24 points on 18 attacks, two aces, and two kill blocks and adding eight excellent digs, while Noel Kampton added 16 points on 13 attacks and three kill blocks.
"Sobrang saya kasi nakuha namin 'yung panalo today," said the three-time league MVP Garcia. "'Di mo rin kasi talaga masabi 'yung game kanina kasi gustong lumaban talaga ng Alpha pero talagang napakita ng team kung paano kami kumapit."
"Nag-compose lang kami talaga tapos kung anong goal namin this season, talagang gusto naming makamit," he added.
Poy Colinares added eight markers, while Nico Almendras seized his limited opportunity with seven points to go along with 10 excellent receptions. Rex Intal also contributed six points.
Adrian Villados, meanwhile, showcased different facets of his game with 24 excellent sets to go along with five points on four blocks and one attack and six excellent digs for Criss Cross.
Barbie San Andres and Rocky Motol finished with 14 points apiece for Alpha Insurance, while Vince Himzon and JJ Javelona chipped in 10 markers each.