Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa has masterfully pulled the strings for the King Crunchers throughout their perfect start in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
The veteran playmaker has led Criss Cross to a 6-0 record, highlighted by a stunning sweep of archrivals Cignal HD wherein Polvorosa registered 18 excellent sets. He also recorded four kill blocks in their 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 win against the HD Spikers last Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
He picked up where he left off in another comprehensive win for Criss Cross on Sunday, dishing out excellent sets in their 25-10, 25-12, 25-11 romp over the Alpha Insurance Protectors.
Thanks to his efforts, Polvorosa has become the first setter to be named the Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, earning the nod for the period of March 5 to 9.
READ: Criss Cross dismisses Alpha Insurance for 6th straight win
READ: Criss Cross overwhelms Cignal to claim solo lead
He beat out teammates Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton, as well as Savouge's Mark Calado and Cignal's Wendel Miguel, for the weekly citation handed out by print and online reporters covering the competition streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph.
Though pleased about their strong start, Polvorosa is not getting carried away.
"We've learned from the past year na hindi porket marami kaming panalo sa early games eh 'yun na 'yun. That's not the goal," said the former Ateneo standout. "At the end of the day, kailangan pa rin naming maging steadfast. Our mindset should be one game at a time towards that championship na pinapangarap namin."
Since the team's formation in early 2024, Criss Cross has come close to claiming the title twice, making the finals against Cignal in both Spikers' Turf conferences. However, they fell short each time, leaving them hungry for redemption this year.
"I think at this point in my career, I've gotten to the point na, you know, I really want to win, but at the same time, I don't feel like I need to win to fulfill my soul. This year, 'yun 'yung naging mantra ko para mas ma-ease 'yung burden sa'kin," Polvorosa reflected.
"Yung mental fortitude ko na dapat nandun lang ako sa every point—hindi ako nagde-dwell dun sa 'ay gusto ko makuha 'yung championship.' Parang masyado siyang nakatingin lang sa end. Kumbaga, ang natutunan ko from last year, i-enjoy din namin 'yung journey namin and i-celebrate namin 'yung bawat win, bawat point."
Criss Cross aims to extend its dominance as the King Crunchers face the VNS-Laticrete Griffins on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.