Criss Cross' second-stringers took the court against Hyogo and did not disappoint, defeating the Japanese guest team, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17, to complete a perfect sweep of the round-robin semifinals in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena on Friday.
The King Crunchers' bench players delivered an impressive performance in the 4-0 semifinal sweep, extending their winning streak to 10 games. Their dominant victory also allowed the starters some much-needed rest ahead of the championship match against their arch-rivals, the Cignal HD Spikers, on Sunday.
The one-off final, a rematch of the 2024 Open Conference title series, is set for Sunday at 6 p.m. at the same Pasig venue.
The battle for third place between Savouge and FEU-DN Steel will serve as the curtain-raiser at 4 p.m.
Cignal had defeated Criss Cross in five sets during their elimination round matchup, but the King Crunchers responded with a four-set victory in the semifinals, setting up an exciting championship showdown.
"Just like any other team, all of us players are prepared to go in at any time because we all train equally and with the same energy," said middle blocker Chu Njigha, who led Criss Cross with 15 points, including 10 attacks and five blocks. "We definitely want to carry that winning momentum from the semifinals into the championship."
"We’re as excited as everyone else who's anticipating the game on Sunday," Njigha added. "Super gigil kami, we really want to get that win. Nandito na tayo, so might as well give our all."
Jaron Requinton also shone with 14 points, including 11 attacks and three blocks, while Pemie Bagalay and Francis Saura each added nine points.
Kim Malabunga, who missed the first 11 games due to ankle injuries, contributed eight points in his second game back.
Kaito Onomichi scored 15 points and added five digs for Hyogo, which finished its campaign winless but valued the lessons learned in the country's premier men's volleyball league.
Ryouma Kakimoto also chipped in nine points for Hyogo, which expressed its admiration for the growing level of play in the Philippines.
Last year, they claimed the bronze medal.
