Criss Cross stretched its unbeaten run while dealing the D’Navigators their first loss via a tough 25-20, 20-25, 32-30, 25-14 victory as the King Crunchers gained a share of the lead in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila late Wednesday night.
Despite coming off a long layoff, Jude Garcia managed to deliver a stellar performance for the King Crunchers, firing 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks. More importantly, he proved clutch in the swing set to power Criss Cross to the victory.
“Sobrang saya kasi after ng break nung Holy Week, andun pa rin yung composure namin sa game,” said Garcia after the grueling near-two-hour clash of power game.
The win thus tied Criss Cross with Cignal at the helm with 4-0 records, setting the stage for what looms to be an epic encounter between the league’s only unbeaten teams on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
After splitting the first two sets, Criss Cross and the D’Navigators figured in a back-and-forth skirmish in the extended third frame with the latter moving to set point at 30-29.
But Garcia hammered in a down-the-line hit to force extension then Rex Intal came through with a running attack before the former foiled Francis Saura's assault to lift the team to a 2-1 set lead.
The King Crunchers then wore down the D’Navigators in the fourth, winning it with virtual ease as they capitalized on their opponents’ miscues while re-asserting their dominance in attacks.
They produced 11 kills compared to the D’Navigators’ 8 and pounced on the latter’s 12 unforced errors while conceding just six.
“Kahit sobrang dikit ng laban, hindi pa rin kami nagpatinag sa laro. Andun yung composure sa mga teammates ko, nag mag-tiwala sa isa’t isa. Hindi nawawala yung tiwala na binigay ng coaches samin,” said Garcia.
Kim Malabunga tallied 11 points on seven attacks and four blocks while Pemie Bagalay, who took the Player of the Game honors with 11 markers and 11 excellent receptions.
Team captain Ysay Marasigan contributed nine points and seven excellent digs while Intal finished with four kill blocks on his way to an eight-point output.
Ish Polvorosa came through with 18 excellent sets while Manuel Sumanguid had 16 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, the D’Navigators dropped to 4-1. Saura scored 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks and added six excellent digs while Edward Camposano and Deanne De Pedro chipped in 12 points apiece. De Pedro also tallied 12 excellent receptions while Jayvee Sumagaysay had 11 points.
The D’Navigators will also face the HD Spikers next on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
