Criss Cross setter Adrian Villados in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL Media
MANILA -- Setter Adrian Villados has been instrumental in Criss Cross' perfect campaign so far in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
Villados has been putting on a playmaking clinic to steer the King Crunchers to a league-best 7-0 record.
For his calm leadership and efficient setting, Villados has been named the Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of March 9-13.
The talented playmaker first tallied 12 excellent sets in Criss Cross' dominant 25-17, 25-18, 25-13 victory over the Alpha Insurance Protectors last Wednesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Arellano University product then delivered his best performance of the week, dishing out a whopping 39 excellent sets to secure a four-set triumph against the Savouge Spin Doctors, 25-21, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, on Friday.
READ: Criss Cross books semis spot by reasserting might over Savouge
Villados stressed that the King Crunchers are not getting complacent despite a sweep of the preliminary round.
"Sa amin, hindi talaga namin iniisip 'yung sweep. Ang focus namin is one game at a time," he said.
"Bilang setter, trabaho ko na siguraduhin na calm at composed 'yung team sa loob ng court. Laging mindset namin ng teammates ko na sundin lang 'yung system namin at magtiwala sa preparation na ginawa namin sa training. Ang importante sa amin ay consistent performance bawat game para mas mapalapit kami sa ultimate goal."
Villados also highlighted the importance of spreading the offense and keeping all of Criss Cross' deadly attackers involved, which has proven to be a key factor in the team's unbeaten run.
"Importante talaga sa setter 'yung reading the game. Tinitingnan ko kung sino yung may magandang rhythm at kung saan kami may advantage laban sa blockers ng kalaban," he said.
"Sinisigurado ko rin na lahat ng hitters namin ay nakakakuha ng touches para manatili silang confident at involved sa offense. Communication din sa court at sa training para alam ko kung anong klaseng set ang comfortable sa bawat spiker at middle."
Villados edged out teammate Alche Gupiteo, AEP-Cabstars' Jay Rack Dela Noche and Jared Schnake, and 3B's John Vincent Ramos and Christhian Olaes, for the weekly honor, which is deliberated by print and online reporters covering the country's premier men's volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
While pleased with the team's momentum, Villados said the King Crunchers are determined to stay sharp as they push towards their ultimate goal this conference.
"Malaking boost talaga 'yung magandang performance, pero para sa akin, team effort pa rin lahat ng nangyayari sa court," he said.
"Gagamitin ko 'yung confidence na iyon para maging mas vocal at mas steady sa decision-making habang nagse-set. Ang goal ko lang lagi is ilagay 'yung teammates ko sa best position para makapuntos at matulungan yung team na umabot hanggang dulo ng tournament."
Villados and the King Crunchers will look to keep their flawless record intact as they battle the Cabstars on Wednesday at the same venue.