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Jude Garcia in action for Criss Cross against VNS in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 12, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross weathered a late surge from VNS-Laticrete en route to a 25-12, 25-18, 25-22 sweep in their Spikers' Turf Open Conference showdown, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The King Crunchers cruised in the first two sets before displaying their poise in the third to extend their winning streak to seven matches.
Already assured of a semifinal spot following the fifth losses of the Griffins and PGJC-Navy, Criss Cross capitalized on VNS' late errors in the third set to fend off the young squad's attempt to extend the match.
VNS, led by middle blocker Rash Nursiddik, kept the King Crunchers within reach in the closing stages, but back-to-back net faults by CJ Segui gave Criss Cross a four-point cushion, 22-18.
Nursiddik and Chu Njigha exchanged blows in the ensuing rallies before EJ Gero fired down the line to trim the deficit to three, 20-23. However, a costly service error from Jan Mangulabnan pushed Criss Cross to match point.
Segui and KC Culabat tried to spark a late comeback for the Griffins with consecutive points, but Rex Intal's quick attack ultimately sealed the win after an hour and 17 minutes of play.
"Nung third set, I think lumabas yung konting complacency namin doon sa game. That's not something that we should be proud of; dapat every time we step on the court, one hundred percent dapat," said Criss Cross setter Ish Polvorosa.
"It's something that we have to learn from. Every game naman may mapupulot kami," he added.
Polvorosa continued to orchestrate the King Crunchers' offense masterfully, delivering 19 excellent sets along with four points, including three service aces.
Jude Garcia paced Criss Cross with 11 points, seven excellent receptions, and six digs. Nico Almendras added 10 points and five digs, while Njigha and Jaron Requinton contributed nine points apiece. This marked the first time Requinton failed to hit double digits in the conference.
Criss Cross will put its unbeaten streak on the line against defending champion Cignal, whom they swept in the first round, on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, VNS absorbed its third consecutive defeat, dropping to fifth place alongside PGJC-Navy with identical 1-6 records.
Segui was the lone bright spot for the Griffins, finishing with 12 points and 11 digs. Nursiddik and Culabat chipped in nine and eight points, respectively, in the loss.
VNS will aim to snap its losing skid against the Sealions on Friday at 3:30 p.m.