Alche Gupiteo of Criss Cross in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL Media
MANILA -- Alche Gupiteo is stepping into the spotlight in his first stint with Criss Cross, showing no fear of the moment in their campaign in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
A former beach volleyball star for University of Santo Tomas, Gupiteo has led the King Crunchers to a 3-0 start in the tournament.
Gupiteo delivered an all-around performance in his debut, tallying 11 points, eight excellent receptions, and three excellent digs in Criss Cross' opening-day 25-17, 25-15, 25-17 rout of VNS Always Bright Laticrete last Wednesday.
He followed it up with a double-double of 12 points and 15 receptions in a 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 win over Alpha Insurance last Friday, before tallying 13 points, 10 receptions, and four digs on Sunday in their 25-20, 29-27, 25-15 triumph against AEP-Cabstars.
READ: Criss Cross survives hard-fighting AEP-Cabstars in 3 sets
For jump-starting the King Crunchers' strong start, Gupiteo was named the Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of February 25 to March 1.
"Actually may pressure siya pero I always believe na this is a new beginning, this is a new team, this is a new era, so I have [to] enjoy," said Gupiteo, who emerged as a steady presence for Criss Cross despite the team being loaded with talented wingers like four-time MVP Jude Garcia, Noel Kampton, Nico Almendras, Ysay Marasigan, and Jaron Requinton.
"Yung Spikers' Turf is minsan lang, so why not enjoy. So 'di ko iniisip 'yung pressure kasi isa 'yun sa factor na mada-down ka ganun," he added.
Gupiteo beat out fellow King Cruncher Jude Garcia, Louie Ramirez of Savouge, Jay Rack De La Noche of AEP-Cabstars, and Carl Berdal of 3B for the weekly honor, which was deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men's volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
The two-time UAAP beach volleyball MVP credited Criss Cross' welcoming environment and its family-like culture, saying it gave him the confidence to perform at his best.
"I'm very blessed kasi kinuha ako nila. Thankful kasi maganda 'yung laro. Syempre kinakabahan kasi first Spikers' Turf ko 'to. Actually, nagtiwala lang talaga ako sa coaching staff, sa mga kuya, sa managers, that's why na-boost 'yung confidence ko to perform," Gupiteo said.
Gupiteo and the King Crunchers will aim to extend their streak when they face the Event Masters on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil Centre, hoping to stretch their winning run to four games.