Nico Almendras of Criss Cross in action against Savouge in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 1, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL MediaMANILA -- Criss Cross finished as the top-seeded team after the elimination round of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The King Crunchers locked up the No. 1 spot by sweeping Savouge, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22, for an 8-1 win-loss slate.
They are actually tied with their archrivals, the Cignal HD Spikers, at the top of the standings, but wound up with the superior points ratio.
Nico Almendras dished out his best game yet in a Criss Cross jersey, scoring a game-high 19 points on 15 attacks, three aces and one block in a swift one-hour, 31-minute contest.
"Importante sa amin 'tong panalo na 'to kasi 'yun nga, magkakalaban pa kami sa semis so siguro kung ano 'yung nilaro namin ngayon, mapapanood naman namin 'yun and syempre mapapagaralan din," said Almendras.
Trailing by a point late in the third set, Criss Cross capitalized on Savouge’s four consecutive reception errors, with Almendras firing two aces to put the Crunchers ahead 22-19.
Savouge briefly regained momentum with conversions from Louis Gamban and Deanne De Pedro. However, Jude Garcia’s back-row attack and Giles Torres’ quick strike kept Criss Cross in control.
A miscommunication on Savouge’s end then paved the way for Francis Saura’s crucial attack, bringing Criss Cross to match point. Gian Glorioso sealed the win with a quick attack.
“Yung ginagawa naming sa training lumabas ngayong game. Kung ano 'yung adjustments na nakita ng mga coaches, siguro 'yun 'yung tatrabahuhin namin,” said Almendras.
Glorioso was a picture of consistency, contributing 10 points, including three blocks, while Garcia also had a solid all-around performance, tallying 10 points, 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Ish Polvorosa orchestrated their offense with 19 excellent sets, while Rex Intal chipped in eight points, further showcasing the depth of Criss Cross as they enter the next phase of the competition.
The Spin Doctors, who are also headed to the semis, finished with a 6-3 win-loss slate.
Norwel Sanama had an efficient scoring display, converting 15 of his 25 attack attempts while also getting two blocks and one ace to finish with a team-best 18 points and Torres added 11 markers.