After consecutive runner-up finishes, Criss Cross is determined to finally break through, banking on improved composure and consistency as the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference kicks off this Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Reigning MVP Jude Garcia shared that the King Crunchers, who lost to Cignal in the Open and Invitational Conference finals, put an emphasis on becoming more steady and disciplined as they look to enter the tournament with a sharper mindset and a stronger finishing touch.
These qualities, Garcia believes, will be key in helping Criss Cross get its first-ever championship in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league.
“In-improve lang namin ‘yung consistency namin sa loob ng court. Last conference alam namin na kulang kami sa composure and then ‘yung consistency sa loob kaya ‘yun ‘yung winorkout namin nung past camp namin,” said the two-time league MVP during the league’s media day last Monday.
The former Far Eastern University star expressed his excitement to showcase the progress the King Crunchers have made over the past months, confident that their hard work and adjustments will pay off when they take the court.
Criss Cross will kick-start its redemption campaign against VNS-Laticrete at 6:00 p.m.
“This conference maglaro lang kami nang maayos and then ipakita namin ulit kung ano ‘yung pinagensayuhan namin this past months kay coach Tai (Bundit),” said Garcia.
“Ayun nga, ‘yung goal pa rin is makuha ‘yung championship, ‘yung unang championship ng Criss Cross. Sana magawa namin lahat ng pinagensayuhan,” he added.
The King Crunchers will be bringing in an intact core in hopes of building stronger chemistry and finally securing the championship that has eluded them.
Garcia, joined by Nico Almendras, Ysay Marasigan, and Francis Saura, will once again lead the wings in the absence of Marck Espejo.
Meanwhile, a fully recovered Kim Malabunga, who was sidelined by a freak injury at the start of the 2024 Invitational Conference and only returned in the latter stages, will anchor the middle blockers alongside the vastly improved Gian Glorioso, seasoned veteran Rex Intal, and the dependable Chu Nigha.
Ish Polvorosa will once again take the reins as the team’s playmaker, orchestrating the offense with his trademark precision. Meanwhile, Manuel Sumanguid and John Pepito will share the libero duties, providing a solid defensive foundation at the backline.
