Action between Criss Cross and Hyogo in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 13, 2024 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross completed a sweep of the semifinal round of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena.
The second stringers took charge for the King Crunchers in their 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 triumph against Japanese guest team Kondohgumi Hyogo for a perfect 4-0 record in the round-robin semis.
The King Crunchers have won 10 straight matches heading into their one-match championship showdown against rival Cignal HD on Sunday.
Cignal had defeated Criss Cross in five sets during their elimination round matchup, but the King Crunchers responded with a four-set victory in the semifinals.
READ: Criss Cross takes down Savouge to punch Finals ticket
READ: Cignal crushes Hyogo 6 to claim Finals berth
"Just like any other team, all of us players are prepared to go in at any time because we all train equally and with the same energy," said middle blocker Chu Njigha, who led Criss Cross with 15 points, including 10 attacks and five blocks. "We definitely want to carry that winning momentum from the semifinals into the championship."
"We're as excited as everyone else who's anticipating the game on Sunday," Njigha added. "Super gigil kami, we really want to get that win. Nandito na tayo, so might as well give our all."
Jaron Requinton also shone with 14 points, including 11 attacks and three blocks, while Pemie Bagalay and Francis Saura each added nine points. Kim Malabunga, who missed the first 11 games due to ankle injuries, contributed eight points in his second game back.
Kaito Onomichi scored 15 points and added five digs for Hyogo, which finished its campaign winless but valued the lessons learned in the country's premier men's volleyball league.
Ryouma Kakimoto also chipped in nine points for Hyogo, which expressed its admiration for the growing level of play in the Philippines.
Last year, they claimed the bronze medal.