Unbeaten Criss Cross is showing no signs of slowing down in its dominant march in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
A huge part of the King Crunchers' success has been the superb playmaking of setter Adrian Villados, who has been pulling the strings to perfection.
Villados played a key role in keeping the King Crunchers perfect, orchestrating the offense in two more victories to improve their league-best record to 7-0.
For his calm leadership and efficient playmaking, Villados has been named the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of March 9-13.
The talented playmaker first tallied 12 excellent sets in Criss Cross’ dominant 25-17, 25-18, 25-13 victory over the Alpha Insurance Protectors last Wednesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Arellano University product then delivered his best performance of the week, dishing out a whopping 39 excellent sets to secure a four-set triumph against the Savouge Spin Doctors, 25-21, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, on Friday.
Despite the growing confidence of a preliminary round sweep, Villados said the team remains focused on taking things one match at a time.
“Sa amin, hindi talaga namin iniisip ‘yung sweep. Ang focus namin is one game at a time,” he said.
“Bilang setter, trabaho ko na siguraduhin na calm at composed ‘yung team sa loob ng court. Laging mindset namin ng teammates ko na sundin lang ‘yung system namin at magtiwala sa preparation na ginawa namin sa training. Ang importante sa amin ay consistent performance bawat game para mas mapalapit kami sa ultimate goal.”
Villados also highlighted the importance of spreading the offense and keeping all of Criss Cross’ deadly attackers involved, which has proven to be a key factor in the team’s unbeaten run.
“Importante talaga sa setter ‘yung reading the game. Tinitingnan ko kung sino yung may magandang rhythm at kung saan kami may advantage laban sa blockers ng kalaban,” he said.
“Sinisigurado ko rin na lahat ng hitters namin ay nakakakuha ng touches para manatili silang confident at involved sa offense. Communication din sa court at sa training para alam ko kung anong klaseng set ang comfortable sa bawat spiker at middle.”
Villados edged out teammate Alche Gupiteo, AEP-Cabstars’ Jay Rack Dela Noche and Jared Schnake, and 3B’s John Vincent Ramos and Christhian Olaes, for the weekly honor, which is deliberated by print and online reporters covering the country’s premier men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
While pleased with the team’s momentum, Villados said the King Crunchers are determined to stay sharp as they push towards their ultimate goal this conference.
“Malaking boost talaga ‘yung magandang performance, pero para sa akin, team effort pa rin lahat ng nangyayari sa court,” he said.
“Gagamitin ko ‘yung confidence na iyon para maging mas vocal at mas steady sa decision-making habang nagse-set. Ang goal ko lang lagi is ilagay ‘yung teammates ko sa best position para makapuntos at matulungan yung team na umabot hanggang dulo ng tournament.”
Villados and the King Crunchers will look to keep their flawless record intact as they battle the Cabstars on Wednesday at the same venue.
Matches will be streamed live and on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph
