Coming off convincing opening day romps, Criss Cross and Alpha Insurance test each other’s mettle Friday as they clash for the early solo lead in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Filoil Playtime Centre in San Juan.
The King Crunchers, champions of the last conference, made quick work of the VNS Always Bright Laticrete Griffins as head coach Tai Bundit maximized his roster, giving all 14 players court time in the 67-minute rout.
The Protectors followed the similar script as coach Mike Santos also fielded in his entire lineup in their straight-sets triumph over the AEP Cabstars.
Gametime is at 5 p.m.
Santos saw the need against the Cabstars as the perfect opportunity to rotate his entire roster, using the contest to assess the readiness of his wards ahead of their match against the King Crunchers, whose solid, star-studded roster continues to set the benchmark in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Black Mamba, Premiere EMS, and ArenaPlus.
“Oo nga eh, fight kaagad pero laban pa rin kami,” said Santos.
“Pinaghandaan ko talaga, sabi ko kailangan kong makita kung paano lumaro lahat ng player ko para kapag natapat kami sa Criss Cross, sa Savouge alam ko na kung paano ko paiikutin yung players,” he added.
JM Ronquillo, one of three players acquired from the on-leave Cignal Super Spikers, led the way against the Cabstars with 12 points while Edward Camposano, who’s been with Alpha Insurance since its inception, also played a big role for the Protectors.
On the other hand, Alche Gupiteo and Lloyd Josafat made their presence felt in their Criss Cross debut while four-time league MVP Jude Garcia provided the steady leadership, anchoring the squad with another composed and reliable performance.
Gupiteo, a two-time UAAP beach volleyball MVP, delivered 11 points but admitted that jitters sometimes surface as he continues to find his footing in the men’s pioneering league. However, he keeps in mind the reminder of his coach to remain calm, trust himself and let his power game take over.
“Actually may pressure siya pero I always believe sa saying ni coach na this is a new beginning, this is a new team, this is a new era for you so enjoy. ‘Yung Spikers’ Turf is minsan lang so why not enjoy,” said the rookie out of University of Santo Tomas.
In the 3 p.m. curtain-raiser, Cabstars and VNS seek to bounce back from their opening game setbacks.
The Cabuyao-based squad Cabstars relied heavily on Jayrack Dela Noche and Vince Abrot in their first game, dropping 14 and 13 points, respectively, but their next highest scorer was Nas Gwaza with just five points, emphasizing the need for a more balanced attack.
Meanwhile, the developmental Griffins side shuffled their players against the King Crunchers with the 16-year-old Terrence Marticion leading the way with eight points followed by Joshua Balintag’s seven.
