Criss Cross secured the second semifinal ticket in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, dominating the Philippine Air Force, 25-17, 25-16, 25-15, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday.
The King Crunchers’ second consecutive win propelled them to a 6-1 record, joining the lone tormentor Cignal in the round-robin semifinals.
PGJC-Navy, D’Navigators, and Savouge Aesthetics are vying for the final two spots in the next round.
“Looking forward kami sa lahat ng teams na makakapasok, hindi lang naman sa Cignal. Ganon pa rin yung mindset namin, wala kaming expectations sa sarili namin, bagong team kami na walang pressure, pero pipilitin pa rin namin maging magaling na team at maging buo pa,” said Criss Cross captain Ysay Marasigan, who contributed 12 points.
Jude Garcia also amassed 12 points with nine attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, along with five digs in the one hour and 13 minutes victory.
Chu Njigha and Pemie Bagalay, who were inserted into the starting lineup, also contributed nine and seven points respectively, with the latter also recording 6-of-11 excellent receptions.
This is the first time that the Airmen played with a complete lineup this conference, with the arrival of Ranran Abdilla and James Buytrago, who both participated in the FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures held in Nuvali, Laguna.
However, that did not prevent the Air Men from suffering their sixth consecutive loss, bringing their record to 1-6.
The returning Abdilla and Bryan Jaleco each had eight points for Air Force, with Abdilla also tallying 12 receptions and four digs.
Both teams will conclude their respective elimination round schedules in Friday’s triple-header at the same Pasig venue.
Criss Cross will face Savouge in the main game at 6 p.m., while Air Force will take on VNS-Nasty at 4 p.m.
