THRUST into a bigger role, Adrian Villados has displayed remarkable poise and maturity while filling in for Ish Polvorosa as Criss Cross’ lead setter.
With Polvorosa sidelined due to a knee injury, Villados’ steady playmaking has been instrumental in steering the King Crunchers to a league-best 3-0 start in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The proud Arellano University product has averaged 25.3 excellent sets per match during Criss Cross’ winning run.
For his composure and consistent leadership on the court, Villados was named the first Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of October 27 to November 2.
Villados opened the new conference with 22 excellent sets and three points in Criss Cross’ 25-15, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14 victory over PGJC-Navy last Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
He then followed it up with 20 excellent sets and four points in a dominant 25-14, 25-15, 25-21 sweep of the VNS Griffins three days later.
The young setter’s best performance came against nine-time champion Cignal, where he dished out an impressive 34 excellent sets to lead the King Crunchers to a statement 25-23, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18 win over their long-time rivals on Sunday.
While stepping into Polvorosa’s shoes is no small feat, Villados credited his teammates and coaches for guiding him through the transition.
“May factor na [pressure], pero hindi ko na iniisip ‘yun kasi nandiyan naman ‘yung mga kuya ko, lalo na sila coach para mag-guide sa akin,” said Villados.
“Yun lang, sabi nga ni coach, kailangan lang mag-contribute sa team and gawin ko lang ‘yung role ko as a setter, pati ‘yung goal ko. And ‘yun, training lang and happy happy.”
Villados edged out teammates Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, and Noel Kampton for the weekly honor, which was deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
Also considered for the recognition were Cignal’s Louie Ramirez, UST-Gameville’s Josh Ybañez, Savouge’s Mark Calado and Reymark Betco, and the Alpha Insurance duo of Rocky Motol and Barbie San Andres.
Villados and the King Crunchers will look to extend their winning streak to four when they face Savouge on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in the ongoing tournament, which is streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph.
Despite their strong start, Villados remains aware that Criss Cross still has areas to improve, especially after their second-set slump against the Super Spikers.
“Marami pa po kaming kulang and pagtatrabahuhan namin lalo na ‘yung second set, maraming mistakes doon,” he admitted.
“One game at a time sabi nga nila, at one point at a time. Training lang palagi.”
