Criss Cross opened its title-retention bid in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference with a dominant 25-15, 25-14, 25-12 victory over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The King Crunchers controlled the match from start to finish, with five-time Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia leading the charge as they dispatched the Cavaliers in just 70 minutes to open their campaign with an emphatic victory.
Garcia finished with a game-high 13 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while adding five excellent digs. With the win, Criss Cross joined fellow opening-day victor Alpha Insurance at the top of the standings with identical 1-0 records.
Despite his strong showing, Garcia admitted that he is still adjusting to playing with the King Crunchers after returning from Alas Pilipinas duty at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. He also acknowledged that the team still needs time to develop chemistry with its new teammates.
“Siguro po, sobrang nag-a-adjust pa kasi ilang weeks pa lang kami nagsasama,” said the former Far Eastern University star.
“So, kailangan pa ng gelling namin. So, yung chemistry namin, medyo off pa, so kailangan talaga trabahuhin namin para sa darating na games, maging pulido na yung galaw namin,” he added.
Newcomer Amil Pacinio contributed eight points, all from attacks, for the King Crunchers, while Noel Kampton and Poy Colinares chipped in with six markers apiece. Kennedy Batas and Lucca Mamone added five points each.
Adrian Villados, who also represented Alas Pilipinas at the Asiad, dished out 15 excellent sets. Meanwhile, Manuel Sumanguid and John Pepito tallied 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, respectively, while sharing libero duties.
Criss Cross will look to extend its winning streak to two games when it faces rival Savouge on October 21 at 5 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, Pol Salvador led AFP with eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong contributed five.
Jessie Lopez, meanwhile, recorded nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions in his return to the Spikers’ Turf.
The Cavaliers will look to bounce back when they take on 3B on October 21 at 11 a.m.
