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Criss Cross celebrates against AEP-Cabstars in the semis of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, April 12, 2026 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross had to overcome a shaky start before dismantling AEP-Cabstars to secure the last Finals berth in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference Finals on Sunday at the FilOil Centre.
The King Crunchers erased a one-set deficit to take a 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17 triumph.
They closed out the round-robin semis with a 2-1 record to set up a Finals showdown against Savouge -- the lone team to have beaten them so far in the competition.
READ: Savouge stuns erstwhile unbeaten Criss Cross
Game 1 of the best-of-3 championship series is on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., still at the San Juan venue.
After a sluggish start that enabled the Cabstars to seize early control, the King Crunchers regrouped and dominated the next three frames, anchoring their surge on solid blocking to impose their will.
AEP-Cabstars managed to close in on in the fourth frame, but Jaron Requinton anchored a 4-0 run that turned a shaky 16-14 edge into a commanding six-point lead. Criss Cross cruised to victory from there, with Requinton also taking charge down the stretch.
He delivered the team's last four points to wrap up the match in one hour and 49 minutes and seal their showdown with tormentor Savouge.
The Spin Doctors stunned the King Crunchers with a thrilling five-set comeback victory last Wednesday, securing the first Finals berth and snapping their 14-game winning streak.
"Siguro 'yun, kailangan naming maging all out kasi 'yung game ngayon is do-or-die para sa finals namin. At the same time, para mas mataas 'yung morale namin going to our goal, which is to be a champion again," said Requinton, who finished with 15 points off the bench.
"Kaya 'yun lang 'yung pumapasok sa isip namin — 'di kami pwedeng magpakumpyansa sa sarili namin. Kailangan naming lumaban every game," he added.
Four-time MVP Jude Garcia continued to lead the King Crunchers' assault with 24 points built on 20 attacks and four kill blocks. He also posted eight excellent receptions, while Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with finesse, finishing with 30 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars wound up with a 1-2 record, dropping to a battle for the bronze medal against Alpha Insurance, which also finished with the same mark. Jared Schnake put up 18 points and eight excellent digs for the losing squad.