Fresh off his wedding, Nico Almendras returned to the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference with renewed motivation, delivering a strong performance in their third straight win.
Fresh off his wedding, Nico Almendras wasted no time getting back to business, delivering a stellar performance in his return to the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
With a new chapter in his personal life, Almendras found extra motivation as he helped lead his team to a 25-17, 25-27, 25-20, 25-20 victory over the PGJC-Navy Sealions on Wednesday, February 26 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The win marked Criss Cross' third straight triumph as Almendras contributed on both ends of the floor, finishing with 14 points off 12 attacks and two blocks, along with 13 excellent receptions.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya na nakuha namin 'yung pangatlong panalo. 'Yung second set, medyo marami kaming unforced errors. Siguro 'yung mindset lang ng team is bawasan 'yung unforced error nung third set and nung last set,” Almendras told reporters after the match.
Returning to action after missing a game due to his wedding, Almendras assured his teammates that he would be back and ready to contribute. He also expressed his gratitude to his team for allowing him to take some time off the court.
“Kaya hindi ako nakabalik agad sa second game namin. Hindi ako napasok agad kasi nga galing ako sa wedding, pero alam ko naman na ready 'yung mga teammates ko. Sinabihan ko sila na mawawala ako, so may papalit, babalik din naman ako. Happy ako na binalik ako ni Coach Tai [Bundit] sa first game ko ulit,” Almendras shared.
While marriage is a major life change, Almendras believes it hasn’t affected his approach to the game significantly—except for one key shift.
“Para sa akin, wala namang malaking adjustment. Siguro may pagbabago sa ibang bagay na dapat ipang-sarili ko na. Pero ngayon, focus na lang ako sa pamilya ko.”
More than ever, Almendras is determined to give his best on the court, knowing that he’s now playing for something bigger than himself.
“Mas namo-motivate ako kasi magkaka-pamilya na ako at siyempre magkaka-anak na ako. ‘Yun ‘yung magiging motivation ko sa upcoming games namin,” the 25-year-old outside hitter said.
Almendras and the rest of the King Crunchers look to continue their strong start in the conference when they face the Savouge Spin Doctors at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, on Sunday, March 2.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)