Jaron Requinton of Criss Cross in action against VNS in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, February 21, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross completed an impressive day for the top teams in Spikers' Turf with a comprehensive 25-19, 25-12, 25-22 victory over VNS on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
With the result, Criss Cross joined archrivals Cignal HD and Savouge at the top of the standings after Day 1 of the Open Conference.
The King Crunchers seized control in the third set with a blistering 7-0 run, turning an 8-10 deficit into a commanding 15-10 lead. Although the two-time runners-up faced a late surge from the Griffins, they maintained their composure.
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The Griffins got within two points, 22-24, but Jaron Requinton crushed a spike against the arms of Kenneth Culabat to complete the win in just an hour and 12 minutes.
"I'm happy with the team's performance, despite the sudden changes," said Requinto in Filipino. "We were still able to come together as a team, and everyone performed well on the court even without Nico (Almendras)."
Requinton, inserted into the starting lineup in place of Almendras, finished with 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.
Reigning MVP Jude Garcia also delivered a stellar performance for Criss Cross, scoring 13 points, 10 from attacks, three from blocks, and contributing four excellent receptions. Francis Saura added 10 markers and five excellent digs.
Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets for the King Crunchers, who will look to start 2-0 when they face the Alpha Insurance Protectors on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
VNS, which bolstered its roster with the additions of Jayvee Sumagaysay, Rash Nursiddik, and Bryan Jaleco during the offseason, struggled early and couldn't maintain its momentum in the third set.
Culabat led the Griffins with eight points, while CJ Segui was limited to just seven markers despite contributing 12 excellent receptions in the loss.