Spikers’ Turf: Jude Garcia, Criss Cross repel PGJC-Navy, close in on semis berth

Reeling from a tough loss to Cignal last Sunday, Criss Cross regained their composure after repulsing PGJC-Navy, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena Friday.

Jude Garcia carried the cudgels for the King Crunchers with a game-high 21 points built on 18 attacks and three blocks, negating the 20-point outing of PGJC-Navy stalwart Joeven Dela Vega.

Dela Vega and Co. came out firing right from the get go, leaving the King Crunchers stunned in the opening salvo for an early buffer.

Criss Cross got its acts together in the second and third frames, as the quintet of Garcia, Kim Malabunga, Ysay Marasigan, Chu Njigha, and Pemie Bagalay took turns in stifling PGJC-Navy.

Come the decisive fourth set, the King Crunchers held a slim 17-15 edge as the Sea Lions tried to tip the scales to their favor. However, Garcia had a riposte for every PGJC-Navy attack.

After keeping the lead at 22-19, Malabunga and Marasigan buoyed Criss Cross at match point before Garcia nailed the finishing blow.

Malabunga and Marasigan produced 12 and 10 points, respectively, with Njigha pitching in nine markers.

Bagalay flaunted his two-way form with seven points, four digs, and 15 receptions for the King Crunchers, while Geuel Asia strung 21 excellent sets. Marck Espejo, who only saw action in the first set, scored five.

PGJC-Navy's Greg Dolor tried to backstop Dela Vega with 13 points, on top of five digs, but it was not enough.

Criss Cross improve their standing to 5-1 for a solo second. PGJC-Navy, meanwhile, slid to third seed with a 5-2 slate.

Criss Cross seeks to secure a semis berth when it takes on Philippine Air Force on April 21, Sunday, at the Ynares Sports Arena.

PGJC-Navy, on the other hand, tries to regain its winning form when it faces D'Navigators on April 28, Sunday, at the Sta.Rosa Sports Complex.