With most of its starters sitting out or playing limited minutes, Criss Cross relied on its second unit to complete the sweep, overpowering PGJC-Navy, 25-18, 25-17, 25-19, in the final match of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference double-round eliminations on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Despite the absence of key players, the King Crunchers dominated the Sealions, closing their campaign the way they started it – on a winning note.
Jude Garcia was the only mainstay who saw extended action, leading the charge with a game-high 16 points from 10 attacks, four kill blocks and two aces. He also delivered on defense, tallying 11 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Even with limited minutes from wingers Jaron Requinton and Nico Almendras, setter Ish Polvorosa, and the absence of middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Gian Glorioso, Criss Cross still completed an impressive 10-game sweep – three of those matches going the distance.
Chu Njigha maximized his opportunity, scoring 14 points off nine attacks, five kill blocks and an ace. Meanwhile, birthday boy Geuel Asia took charge of playmaking duties, dishing out 14 excellent sets to orchestrate a well-balanced offensive attack.
"I would rate our performance an eight out of ten because we became complacent on the court. Maybe we relaxed too much in this game," said Asia in Filipino.
"This is a boost for us as a team and for each of us individually because we completed the sweep. But we won't stop learning and fighting in the upcoming games," he added.
Veterans Ysay Marasigan and Rex Intal also made the most of their minutes, contributing nine and eight points, respectively, while Francis Saura and Almendras chipped in four points each.
Despite the shuffled rotation, Criss Cross showcased dominance at the net, converting 42 of their 97 attack attempts in the one-hour, 14-minute contest. They also registered 12 total blocks, with Njigha and Garcia leading the defensive front.
On the other hand, the undermanned Sealions closed their season on an eight-game losing streak, finishing at the bottom with a dismal 1-9 record. Missing key veterans Greg Dolor, Omar Lioc, Marvin Hairami, and star player Joeven Dela Vega, they struggled to find momentum.
John Ashley Jacob and Peter Quiel led PGJC-Navy with 10 and nine points, respectively, while team captain Jack Kalingking put up a valiant effort with 15 excellent receptions and nine digs.
