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Criss Cross celebrates a point against Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, February 23, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross racked up a second straight win in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference by sweeping Alpha Insurance, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21, on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Leading the way for the King Crunchers was Kim Malabunga, who contributed 17 points in his best game since returning from injuries to both ankles.
With the result, Criss Cross joined Cignal HD at the top of the league standings, with the archrivals both toting 2-0 win-loss records.
"We trained hard for this because Spikers' Turf just started, so we really prepared our service and blocking – those were our main focus areas," said Malabunga, an Alas Pilipinas standout, in Filipino.
With the Protectors threatening to extend the match to a fourth set, Jaron Requinton stepped up, scoring three crucial points in a 4-1 run that gave Criss Cross a 22-18 lead.
Edward Camposano and Malabunga then exchanged hits before Alpha Insurance rallied, trimming the deficit to 21-23 on a Vincent Nadera cross-court attack and a Chu Njigha error. However, Alpha Insurance's comeback hopes faded after a costly service error by Rommelito Baptista and an attack misfire from JJ Javelona, sealing Criss Cross' straight-set victory.
Reigning MVP Jude Garcia contributed 13 points and recorded 13 excellent receptions, while Requinton followed up his strong start to the season with 10 points. Playmaker Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense masterfully, tallying 17 excellent sets.
Criss Cross will aim for a third consecutive win when it faces PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance remained winless in its Spikers' Turf debut and will look to bounce back against Savouge on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Team captain Edward Camposano led the Protectors with 13 points, while Javelona and Ranz Cajolo contributed eight and six points, respectively.