For the past year, Criss Cross has been searching for the missing piece to its championship puzzle. Now, with a refined mindset and a hunger for redemption, the King Crunchers seem closer than ever to solving it.
Armed with an explosive roster and a deep arsenal, Criss Cross has long been considered a serious threat to Cignal’s dynasty. Yet, despite their firepower, they have repeatedly fallen short, settling for back-to-back runner-up finishes against the HD Spikers in the past two conferences.
But this time, the King Crunchers are determined to turn things around.
"We’ve learned from the past year na hindi porket marami kaming panalo sa early games eh ‘yun na ‘yun. That’s not the goal," said Criss Cross starting setter Ish Polvorosa. "At the end of the day, kailangan pa rin naming maging steadfast. Our mindset should be one game at a time towards that championship na pinapangarap namin."
Since their league debut, Criss Cross has consistently performed well in the elimination rounds. They finished the previous Open Conference eliminations with a 7-1 record and dominated the season-ending Invitationals at 8-1. Yet, when it mattered most, the team fell to Cignal in consecutive finals.
Now, Polvorosa wants his squad to embrace a different approach. Instead of being fixated on the championship from the get-go, he urges the team to focus on every play, every set, and every match—understanding that each step is crucial in their journey.
It’s a philosophy the 27-year-old setter has personally adopted, and it’s paying dividends for the King Crunchers.
"I think at this point in my career, I’ve gotten to the point na, you know, I really want to win, but at the same time, I don’t feel like I need to win to fulfill my soul. Parang alam mo ‘yun? This year, ‘yun ‘yung naging mantra ko para mas ma-ease ‘yung burden sa’kin," Polvorosa reflected.
"Yung mental fortitude ko na dapat nandun lang ako sa every point—hindi ako nagde-dwell dun sa ‘ay gusto ko makuha ‘yung championship.’ Parang masyado siyang nakatingin lang sa end. Kumbaga, ang natutunan ko from last year, i-enjoy din namin ‘yung journey namin and i-celebrate namin ‘yung bawat win, bawat point."
Polvorosa has been instrumental in Criss Cross’ campaign so far, averaging 18 excellent sets per game. His standout 26 excellent sets against Savouge in a grueling five-setter showcased his elite playmaking, while his leadership has helped propel teammates like Jaron Requinton into pivotal roles.
However, his biggest statement came in Criss Cross’ most crucial match yet—an emphatic straight-set victory over Cignal, 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, that closed out the opening round with a flawless 5-0 record. Polvorosa delivered 18 excellent sets and four kill blocks in that performance, steering the King Crunchers past their biggest rivals.
"Ang hirap din talagang manalo sa Cignal. So we prepared really well for them and every team naman sa Spikers’ Turf, we prepare for them kung paano kami mananalo sa kanila. It’s just that today we played really well," said Polvorosa, who previously starred for Ateneo.
"As a team we played better against them today. Technically, ‘yun ‘yung kailangan pa naming dagdagan pa and i-improve pa," he added.
Despite the dominant first-round showing, Polvorosa remains grounded. He knows that early success means little if Criss Cross fails to secure the ultimate prize.
"I think we did well in the first round, but there are still things we need to improve on. May mga lapses pa na dapat ‘di na kami nagkakamali. I know we can work on those in training," he said.
"Hindi pwedeng na-sweep namin ‘yung first round, ‘yun na ‘yon. So we have to stay in the game and kailangan focus pa rin doon sa goal namin na championship."
With a sharpened mentality and a team that continues to grow, Criss Cross is inching ever closer to their long-awaited breakthrough. And if Polvorosa and company can maintain their focus, they just might be able to rewrite their story and finally seize the championship that has eluded them.
