Jude Garcia led the way in a gritty Criss Cross King Crunchers five-set victory against the Cignal Super Spikers in the Spikers' Turf, which was staged for the first time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Criss Cross reasserted its mastery over Cignal, but the King Crunchers had to gut out every rally before escaping with a gritty 26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 15-12 victory to open the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on a triumphant note Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
More than just another win, the hard-earned result stretched the fired-up King Crunchers’ blazing streak to eight straight, sweeping the preliminaries and now striking first in the round-robin semis.
It also came on a momentous evening – the league’s first-ever staging at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum, marking a symbolic leap forward for men’s volleyball in the country.
Criss Cross thus joined Savouge Aesthetics and Kindai University as opening-day winners in the semis of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Arena Plus, and Black Mamba.
Three-time league MVP Jude Garcia again showed why he remains the beating heart of Criss Cross, exploding for 28 points built on 22 attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces. He added 13 excellent digs in an all-around performance befitting the Big Dome spotlight.
“Sobrang saya, kasi first time (dito sa Araneta). Makakalaro ka lang dito dati sa UAAP,” said Garcia, savoring the moment. “Thankful sa Spikers’ Turf kasi dinala nila dito. Malaking level up ito para sa men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng fans.”
The win further underscored Criss Cross’ emerging dominance over Cignal, having beaten the defending champions earlier in the conference and now claiming another high-stakes battle in a duel that could’ve actually gone either way.
Yet the match lived up to the rivalry’s reputation – tight, intense and brimming with momentum swings.
The decider remained deadlocked until a late Steven Rotter error gave Criss Cross a 13-11 cushion. But a successful Cignal challenge nullified a Ysay Marasigan attack through a net violation, opening a window for the Super Spikers – only for Rotter’s service error to push Criss Cross to match point.
Moments later, setter Adrian Villados capped his brilliant outing by rising for a huge block against the red-hot Jau Umandal. Villados’ emphatic rejection and the quick sportsmanlike exchange at the net sealed a fitting end to the league’s historic Big Dome debut.
Jaron Requinton added 16 points on 14 attacks, one block and an ace while anchoring the floor with 14 excellent receptions.
Noel Kampton chipped in nine points, and Nico Almendras, Poy Colinares and Gian Glorioso – playing his first game back from back and knee injuries – scored six apiece.
Villados dished out 30 excellent sets on top of three points and seven digs.
Libero John Pepito delivered 14 excellent receptions as Criss Cross pulled through despite missing Kim Malabunga, Marck Espejo Eco Adajar, and Lucca Mamone due to national team duties.
Cignal’s Rotter and Umandal valiantly tried to reverse their team’s fortunes, finishing with 25 and 21 points, respectively. Wendel Miguel contributed 11, while rookie libero Van Prudenciado showed composure beyond his years with 27 excellent receptions and nine digs as the defending champions also played without Louie Ramirez, Owa Retamar, Lloyd Josafat, and Vince Lorenzo – key members of Alas Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, action resumes today (Saturday) as Criss Cross tests its endurance and depth further when it faces Kindai University at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, a crucial clash that will highlight stamina and mid-semis adjustments for all teams.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)