Criss Cross staged a fierce comeback after a challenging first-set setback, showcasing its dominance to overpower the erstwhile unbeaten DN Steel-FEU side, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21, reinforcing the King Crunchers’ semifinal bid in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday night.
Demonstrating a masterful blend of power and strategy, the King Crunchers rebounded from early miscues and asserted their control in the next three sets, outlasting the gritty Ultras in a high-stakes, hard-fought battle.
In the end, however, the pressure and precision of Criss Cross proved insurmountable. A long kill attempt by Jelord Talisayan sealed the Ultras’ fate, handing the King Crunchers the match and halting DN Steel-FEU’s six-game winning streak.
The King Crunchers leaned on another brilliant performance from Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Ultras. He posted a game-high 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks and an ace.
He further impressed with 16 excellent receptions, capping off an outstanding effort in nearly two hours of intense play.
“Nakatulong din na players ko sila, kumbaga lahat ng ginagawa nila alam ko rin eh. Nagtuturo ako, alam ko na rin ‘yung galaw nila. Malaking factor din ‘yun,” added Garcia, who previously led FEU to finals appearances in both indoor and beach volleyball during UAAP Season 81.
The match showcased not just the raw power and athleticism of the two teams but also a clash of contrasting styles and strategies, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.
The victory brought Criss Cross to a 5-1 record, tying them with the Cignal HD Spikers for second place and solidifying their push for a semis spot.
For the Ultras, the loss served as a reality check after their dominant run, but their gutsy performance against a seasoned team suggests they remain strong contenders in the tournament.
The King Crunchers, known for their veteran composure and firepower, recovered from a slow start riddled with errors and adjusted to the youthful dynamism of the Ultras, who had been riding high on a six-game win streak in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Glorioso credited the team’s second-set resurgence to their focus on minimizing errors and sticking to their strengths.
“We got carried away in the first set with so many errors, and we lost our drive,” said Glorioso, who earned the game's top honors. “But from the second set onward, we settled down and played our game.”
“This is a big win for us,” added Glorioso. “The standings have become incredibly tight, so every victory counts. This boosts our chances of securing a spot in the next round and keeps us on track for our goals.”
The Ultras threatened to extend the game to a fifth set but Nico Almendras and Glorioso combined for a pivotal 3-0 Criss Cross run for a 20-15 advantage.
Ysay Marasigan and Garcia then fended off every comeback attempt from the Ultras.
“Kudos din sa FEU, maganda ‘yung pinakita nilang laban. Ang intense ng match, so kailangan talaga ibigay namin ‘yung one hundred percent namin sa game,” added the two-time Spikers’ Turf champion.
Almendras and Marasigan tallied 11 points each with the former National U star also finishing with 13 excellent receptions.
Ish Polvorosa displayed great control of the King Crunchers’ offense, churning out 23 excellent sets.
Criss Cross will zero in on a semis slot when it plays also-ran Chichi DHTSI on Nov. 27 at 4 p.m.
Despite the loss, DN Steel FEU stayed on top with a 6-1 card with the Ultras bracing for another tough task against the Cignal HD Spikers on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Dryx Saavedra paced the Ultras with 15 points, while Mikko Espartero had 12 markers laced with six excellent digs. Doula Ndongala and Mendoza contributed 10 points apiece.
--//
