Criss Cross, with Marck Espejo finally getting into the groove, crushed VNS-Laticrete, 25-20, 25-15, 25-11, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, moving just one victory away from securing its third consecutive finals appearance in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Playing in only his second game with the team after returning from Japan’s V.League, Espejo delivered an outstanding 14-point performance, tallying 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces – nearly tripling his five-point output from his previous match. He also contributed four excellent digs, helping Criss Cross notch its 12th consecutive victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Coming from Japan, I just kept the momentum going. My main adjustment has been the weather and adapting to coach Tai (Bundit’s) training style, which is different from Japan’s,” said Espejo in Filipino, the former league MVP, who arrived just last Saturday. “But with the workload he gives us in training, I was able to adjust quickly.”
Despite a slow start, the King Crunchers quickly regained their rhythm, overwhelming the young Griffins and completing the sweep in just 68 minutes. The win improved their semifinal record to 2-0 and their overall standing to a flawless 12-0 in the tournament, backed by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Nico Almendras provided solid support with 10 points, including eight attacks and two blocks, while reigning MVP Jude Garcia contributed nine points.
Setter Ish Polvorosa orchestrated their offense with 13 excellent sets, and added three points and six digs.
Criss Cross showcased dominance at the net, converting 37 of 78 attack attempts while also putting up a formidable defensive wall with 10 kill blocks.
The King Crunchers will look to extend their undefeated run against archrivals and defending champions HD Spikers on Sunday at 6 p.m., also at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Meanwhile, VNS-Laticrete dropped to 0-2 in the single round-robin semis, virtually eliminating the Griffins from finals contention. Rash Nursidddik paced the Griffins with 10 points, while team captain CJ Segui was limited to nine.
VNS will take on Savouge on Sunday at 3:30 p.m., aiming to salvage a win before bowing out of the tournament backed by Mikasa and ArenaPlus.
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