Criss Cross reignited their spirit after stumbling in the first set and unleashed all their frustrations on PGJC-Navy, securing a 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 victory to bolster their push for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Fresh off a tough five-set defeat against Cignal last Sunday, the King Crunchers improved their standing to 5-1, claiming the second spot on their own.
Simultaneously, they put an end to the Sealions’ dreamy five-game winning streak, relegating them to third place with a 5-2 record.
A triumph over the Philippine Air Force on Sunday at the same Pasig venue will grant Criss Cross a coveted spot in the semifinals.
“Sumunod lang kami sa mga coaches kasi sila naman nakakakita mula sa labas eh so finifeed lang sa amin sa loob at sinunod lang namiin sila,” said setter Geuel Asia, who came off the bench in the second set onwards to steer the King Crunchers towards a four-set victory.
Initially, it was Navy who seized the initiative with a 25-19 opening frame, led by the efforts of Joeven Dela Vega, Peter Quiel, and Greg Dolor, maintaining their momentum until late in the second set at 19-17.
However, the King Crunchers roared back to life as Kim Malabunga, Chu Njigha, Ysay Marasigan, and Jude Garcia orchestrated a remarkable 8-1 surge to level the game at 25-20.
From there, the momentum firmly favored Criss Cross as substitutes Asia, Njigha, and Pemie Bagalay made significant contributions alongside mainstays Garcia, Malabunga, and Marasigan, clinching the win in one hour and 56 minutes.
Asia tallied 21 excellent sets and four points, with five King Crunchers players scoring at least seven points, led by Garcia’s 21 points on 18 attacks and three blocks, accompanied by six digs.
Malabunga and Marasigan added 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Njigha contributed nine points in three sets.
Bagalay played a crucial role in stabilizing Criss Cross’ defense with 15 excellent receptions and four digs, in addition to seven points.
Dela Vega led the Sealions with 20 points, supported by Dolor’s 13 points.
Jack Kalingking also shone with 30 excellent receptions and eight digs.
Navy will conclude their preliminary round games on April 28 against D’Navigators at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
