Criss Cross hosted a block party against D’Navigators Iloilo, rolling to a commanding 25-18, 25-14, 25-16 victory to seize solo third place behind the unbeaten leaders Savouge and DN Steel-FEU in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference eliminations at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday night.
Led by the imposing middle blocker duo of Gian Glorioso and Rex Intal, the King Crunchers tallied 19 blocks in a swift one-hour, 24-minute demolition of D’Navigators. The victory mirrored their previous dominant win over the VNS Griffins (25-14, 25-15, 25-15) last October 16, leaving Criss Cross just behind the top-seeded Spin Doctors and Ultras, who both sport unblemished 3-0 records.
Glorioso, a former Ateneo standout, delivered a game-high 14 points with an impressive eight blocks and six attacks.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Glorioso said: “Overall, I think it was a good performance. Obviously, we have some areas to improve on, some areas to work on pa. I would say naman na collective effort talaga every win.”
“No matter if naglalaro or not, sa training kasi nagsa-start ‘yung preparedness sa game eh so I would say lahat ng teammates ko… collective effort talaga,” he added.
Rookie outside spiker Nico Almendras and Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia each contributed 13 points, with Garcia also posting 10 excellent receptions to back Glorioso’s standout performance.
Skipper Ysay Marasigan chipped in eight points and six digs, while Intal added six points and helped anchor their net defense with five blocks.
Setter Ish Polvorosa showcased his playmaking with 13 excellent sets and added four points, while libero John Pepito registered nine digs and five excellent receptions.
The victory thus set up Criss Cross for its showdown with archrival Cignal next Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, also in Pasig, in a keenly awaited match in the tournament is supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Meanwhile, the D’Navigators suffered their second consecutive loss, dropping to 1-2.
Madz Gampong led D’Navigators with 11 points, but struggled to find consistent support from teammates Edward Camposano and Vince Himzon, who scored seven and six points, respectively.
The D’Navigators will try to bounce back against the PGJC-Navy Sealions on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
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