Nico Almendras saved his best for last, delivering a performance for the books as the King Crunchers capped off the elimination round with a commanding straight-sets win over fellow semifinalist Savouge, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22, last Sunday in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The victory marked Criss Cross' sixth consecutive triumph, solidifying their position at the top of the standings heading into the high-stakes semifinals. For Almendras, it was a personal milestone—his finest game of the season. The former National University standout tallied a tournament-high 19 points, firing 15 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, a stark improvement from his 8.25-point average over the first eight matches.
“Importante sa’min ‘tong panalo na ‘to kasi ‘yun nga, magkakalaban pa rin kami sa semis. Siguro kung ano ‘yung nilaro namin ngayon, mapapanood naman namin ‘yun and syempre mapapagaralan din,” Almendras shared, reflecting on the significance of their win against a familiar foe.
“Siguro masasabi ko lang is kung ano lang ‘yung tinraining namin, siguro lumabas lang ngayong game namin. Kung ano pa rin ‘yung adjustment na nakita ng mga coaches, ‘yun ‘yung tatrabahuhin namin,” he added.
Almendras' resurgence couldn't have come at a better time for the King Crunchers. After joining the team following a decorated collegiate stint with the NU Bulldogs, he initially struggled to find his rhythm. Compounding matters, Criss Cross was still grappling with the heartbreak of a Finals loss to Cignal in the Open Conference. But Almendras’ breakout performance signals a shift—not just in his form but in the team's readiness for the battles ahead.
The road to redemption, however, is far from easy. The King Crunchers now face a grueling semifinals round-robin format against a stacked lineup of opponents, including the Cignal HD Spikers, FEU-DN Steel, Savouge, and KondohGumi Hyogo, a guest team from Japan. Their campaign begins on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, where Almendras is expected to play a pivotal role.
“Siguro ‘yung mindset ko is magpakundisyon, kumain [nang tama], siguro ‘yung conditioning namin and ‘yung laging sinasabi sa’min ng coaches namin na magpahinga ng katawan na pinakaimportante,” said Almendras about his preparation for the intense competition ahead.
“Siguro kung ano lang din ‘yung makikita ng mga coaches namin, kung ano ‘yung sasabihin sa’min na dapat namin aralin, kung ano ‘yung dapat naming panoorin, ‘yun ‘yung gagawin namin.”
With Almendras finally hitting his stride and the King Crunchers carrying a wave of momentum, their quest for a maiden championship feels within reach.
