Jude Garcia and the Criss Cross King Crunchers refuse to let up in their spotless run so far in the Spikers' Turf, sweeping the UST-Gameville Golden Spikers.
Even in a match where it could have afforded to ease up, title-hungry Criss Cross refused to relax, powering its way to a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 victory over a gritty UST-Gameville side to preserve its spotless run in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The King Crunchers rose to 6-0, carrying all the momentum – and unmistakable championship focus – heading into their clash with the Alpha Insurance Protectors on Sunday, where they will gun for a sweep of the eliminations before marching into the round-robin semifinals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Criss Cross entered the match fully aware that collegiate teams in this field were no pushovers. They had needed five sets to fend off the FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws, and they had watched the Golden Spikers deliver a shocker over the Cignal Super Spikers, both last Wednesday.
“Coming from game namin sa FEU-DN Steel, sabi namin hindi porket collegiate team hindi lalaban,” said Criss Cross middle blocker Poy Colinares, who delivered 10 points built on four emphatic blocks. “Nandito sila kasi nag-qualify sila from V-League, which is hindi biro ‘yung liga. Sa men’s volleyball dito, kahit anong edad mo, sasabay at sasabay ka—mapa-pro or collegiate.”
@onesportsphl 'NAMISS KO RIN SILANG KALARO.' 🐯💛 Criss Cross King Crunchers’ Poy Colinares relished playing against his former collegiate squad in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, admitting he missed suiting up for the UST-Gameville Golden Spikers and recognizing how much their program has improved since his time. | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #SpikersTurf
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That mindset showed early.
Criss Cross took the opening frame behind a late surge from Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton and Adrian Villados, breaking away from a tight 19-all knot to secure the three-point win.
The King Crunchers then shifted into a higher gear in the second set, unleashing a blistering 17-5 start that left the Golden Spikers scrambling and ultimately too far behind to recover.
Set 3 proved more contested, but with their composure, experience and steady firepower, Criss Cross again asserted control. Garcia, Colinares and Noel Kampton delivered the finishing blows as they wrapped up the one-hour and 18-minute romp, further underlining their determination to enter the semis in peak form.
Garcia, a three-time league MVP, once again starred with 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while also contributing six digs. Requinton and Kampton added eight points apiece.
The win halted UST-Gameville’s impressive three-game surge, sending the Golden Spikers to 4-2, tied with Savouge and Cignal as they stay on track for a semis berth.
Meanwhile, guest squads Kindai University (Japan) and ProVolley Academy (Australia) will add international flavor to the next round.
Al-Bukharie Sali led UST-Gameville with 12 points, while top gunner Josh Ybañez was limited to just seven as Criss Cross’ disciplined defense keyed the sweep.
UST-Gameville will attempt to formally punch its semis ticket on Sunday when it faces the ousted FEU-DN Steel at 5 p.m.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)