The Criss Cross Crunchers refuse to relinquish their spot in the Top 4, pushing past the EcoOil-La Salle Green Oilers in four sets in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
Criss Cross weathered a tough challenge from EcoOil La Salle in the third set but ultimately triumphed, taking advantage of the Green Oilers’ miscues down the stretch for a 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 victory.
The win, their fourth straight, leveled the King Crunchers with their arch rivals Cignal HD Spikers at second place with a 6-1 record, just behind the first semifinalist, the DN Steel FEU Ultras (7-1), heading into the final week of the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig on Sunday.
“Pinaghandaan pa rin naman namin sila. Of course, ‘yung first few games nila peak talaga ‘yung laro and hindi namin talaga minamaliit ‘yung labas ng laro nila sa game namin ngayon. Ini-expect pa rin namin na mag all-out sila,” said Criss Cross team captain Ysay Marasigan, who scored 10 points.
After suffering a 25-12 setback in the second set, the Green Oilers regrouped in the third, tightening their game and staying competitive. They battled back to level the score at 19, pushing the King Crunchers to the limit.
But the King Crunchers took advantage of Green Oilers’ five critical errors in the final moments, seizing the opportunity with a decisive offensive push. With the match on the line, Jude Garcia delivered the winning blow, hammering a backrow attack that clinched the tight two-point win in the third set and sealed the victory for Criss Cross.
“Actually nakukulangan pa ako sa performance namin kasi sa mga ganoong bagay dapat ‘yung maturity na talaga ‘yung lumalabas sa amin kasi matatanda na kami and collegiate ‘yung kalaban namin,” said Marasigan.
The Green Oilers actually pulled within one point at 23-24, thanks to key errors from the King Crunchers, including a service fault by Rex Intal and a long attack from Nico Almendras.
But after a crucial huddle, Criss Cross found no need to execute its final offensive play, clinching the match on a La Salle net violation.
Criss Cross will face winless Chichi DHTSI on Wednesday with the King Crunchers closing out their preliminary schedule against Savouge next Sunday, a clash that will likely determine their path to the semifinals.
Ish Polvorosa delivered a stellar performance with 20 excellent sets, adding three points to earn the game’s top honors. As the playmaker, he was the key orchestrator of Criss Cross' attack, showcasing his ability to read the game.
“As a setter, you have to have vision. You need to study not only your teammates but also the opposing team every game,” said Polvorosa.
Reigning Open Conference MVP Garcia led Criss Cross anew with 20 points on 18-of-26 attacking rate while also posting eight excellent receptions, while Nico Almendras backed him up with 11 points and nine receptions as the King Crunchers dominated the attacking department, 47-34.
Gian Glorioso also chipped in eight points, including three blocks.
Rui Ventura led the charge for the Green Oilers with 11 points, while Eugene Gloria added seven markers. However, top hitter Noel Kampton, playing through illness, struggled to find his rhythm, contributing only four points.
Vince Maglinao was limited to just three points in a brief two-set appearance. Despite the loss, EcoOil La Salle showed promising potential, with Polvorosa praising their future prospects.
“La Salle played well. They have a bright future because they’re full of potential,” he said.
The loss, however, extended EcoOil La Salle’s struggles against the league's top teams, as they’ve now dropped three straight matches to the top contenders. With a 4-3 record, they share fifth place with the Navy Sealions, a result that boosts Savouge’s hopes for the semifinals. Savouge, after a straight-set win over the D’Navigators-Iloilo, firmed up its hold on fourth place at 5-2.
Savouge and La Salle will meet in a pivotal match on Friday at 6 p.m., following the 4 p.m. showdown between Cignal and Navy, with results from those matches expected to shape the final semis picture.