MANILA -- Kindai University ended Criss Cross' perfect start in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Saturday, as they came away with a four-set win at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Japanese squad weathered the King Crunchers' fightback in Set 3 to finish off the match in the next frame, 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-22.
Before the loss, Criss Cross had won all eight of their previous assignments. The result meant that Savouge remained on top of the standings in the six-team, round-robin semifinals phase of the tournament.
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Action between Kindai University and Criss Cross in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 22, 2025 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
Trailing 17-18 in the fourth frame, Yoshiki Yasuda sparked a decisive 5-0 run with four straight points – including a crucial block on Nico Almendras – to give Kindai a 22-18 cushion.
Consecutive attack errors by Yuu Kubota and Yuma Onabe allowed Criss Cross to inch within two, but after Jude Garcia and Kentaro Hata traded blows, Masakazu Kawano delivered the finishing hit to seal the win for the visiting side.
Aun Ryutaro powered Kindai with 18 points, while Yasuda added 17. Haruka Misugi turned in a stellar all-around outing with 14 points, 17 excellent receptions, and seven digs as the Japanese halted the King Crunchers' early domination of the tournament.
Kindai University shoots for a third straight victory on Monday at 1 p.m., when it faces UST-Gameville in a bid to tighten its hold on a potential top-two finish.
Meanwhile, Criss Cross – fresh off a grueling five-set battle with rival Cignal – struggled to match Kindai's early pace and slipped to 1-1.
Three-time league MVP Jude Garcia fired a game-high 21 points, while Poy Colinares and Nico Almendras chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively. Adrian Villados tallied 26 excellent sets and added two points, while John Pepito registered 25 receptions and six digs.
Criss Cross seeks to bounce back when it battles winless ProVolley Academy on Saturday at 5 p.m.