Newcomers Eco Adajar, Noel Kampton, and Paul Colinares are determined to make an immediate impact as the Criss Cross King Crunchers push for their first-ever Spikers’ Turf championship.
The Criss Cross King Crunchers are loading up for a serious championship run in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, with three of their newest recruits determined to make their mark in the club’s historic quest.
Aside from the team's usual stars in Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, and Ish Polvorosa, the King Crunchers got much added depth in setter Eco Adajar, spiker Noel Kampton, and middle blocker Paul Colinares.
And with Espejo and Malabunga expected to depart the team midway in the conference for Alas Pilipinas duties, the focus will be on their rookies to step up to the plate.
Still adjusting
Fresh from a stint with Alas Pilipinas, Adajar admitted he’s still adjusting to the Criss Cross system but is embracing the opportunity to learn and contribute.
“Wala pa akong one month sa kanila ng everyday training kasi coming from the national team,” Adajar told One Sports.
“Ito talaga ‘yung team na nag-look up ako nung nagbuo pa lang sila kasi gusto ko talaga maka-teammate sina kuya Mark.”
With the roster stacked with veterans, Adajar is focused on doing whatever it takes to help Criss Cross capture its elusive first crown.
“Every situation, kailangan ko makatulong,” he added. “As a rookie ngayon, with the kuyas na beterano na, ‘yung mindset ko lang lagi is makatulong. Siyempre, ‘yung goal namin ay makuha na talaga ngayong season ‘yung first championship ng Criss Cross.”
Added motivation
For Kampton, being surrounded by seasoned stars brings both pressure and motivation.
“Siyempre, isa ako sa bata. Halos lahat nandito, mga kuya. Sila talaga ‘yung nag-guide sakin,” Kampton shared.
“I guess it's kinda pressure. But you know, just play the game and enjoy lang kasi, knowing from me rin, ‘di naman ako yung champion player eh.”
Coming off a stellar UAAP run with the DLSU Green Spikers, Kampton is hoping to contribute in any way he can for Criss Cross.
“Ita-try ko na tumulong sa kanila kahit anong way. Like, it's either nasa first six man ako or nasa second six. Tutulong ako anytime kung tinawag ako,” he added.
Same goal ever since
Meanwhile, Colinares admitted that the jump from college to club volleyball has been significant, but the support from his veteran teammates has made the transition easier.
“Sobrang laki ng in-adjust ko kasi since galing akong college from senior to rookie ngayon sa Criss Cross, malaki ‘yung in-adjust ko,” said Colinares.
“Pero tinulungan ako ng mga kuya ko na makapag-adjust agad. Sobrang saya ko kasi dito ako napunta sa Criss Cross na sobrang healthy ng team namin.”
Like his fellow newcomers, Colinares is locked in on helping the franchise finally capture its first-ever Spikers’ Turf title.
“‘Yung expectation ko for myself, neutral lang naman ako. Kung ano ‘yung kaya kong ma-contribute, yun ‘yung ibibigay ko,” he said. “At siyempre, inaasahan ko talaga na makuha namin ‘yung gold this time.”
The 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference will begin on October 27.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.