Action between Criss Cross and DN Steel-FEU in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 4, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL MediaMANILA -- Criss Cross stamped its class once more on DN Steel-Far Eastern University to open the semifinal round of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on a winning note, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The King Crunchers pulled off slim wins in the first two frames before running away with the victory in the third, 25-21, 25-21, 25-11.
"For the past few trainings namin, as in pinapagalitan ko talaga 'yung team na kailangan mag-focus na tayo ngayon kasi last conference ng Spikers’ Turf, medyo nag-relax kami, nadelikado kami," said Criss Cross team captain Ysay Marasigan.
"Nakatsamba kami last time kaya kami nakapasok ng finals, pero ngayon hindi na pwede 'yung ganun, hindi na pwede 'yung relaxed, hindi na pwede 'yung complacent. Sobrang naka-focus talaga kami sa lahat ng instructions ni coach Tai [Bundit]," he added.
Jude Garcia put together 18 points on 13 kills, four aces and a block, while Marasigan added 12 points and four excellent digs, and Gian Glorioso anchored the defense with six kill blocks and nine points overall.
Nico Almendras and Rex Intal also chipped in six markers each, with Almendras contributing 11 excellent receptions.
Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets, propelling Criss Cross to its seventh straight win and a 1-0 start in the semifinals of the Invitational Conference.
After displaying their composure in the closing stretch of Sets 1 and 2, the King Crunchers left no doubt in the third set where they surged to a 15-5 start and never allowed the Ultras to gain their rhythm.
They now aim to continue their streak against rival Cignal on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Ultras, who ended the eliminations with back-to-back losses to Criss Cross and Cignal, extended their skid to three games.
Dryx Saavedra was their lone bright spot, scoring 15 points, all on attacks, while Mikko Espartero contributed nine markers.
FEU hopes to bounce back and avoid falling to 0-2 when it faces the HD Spikers on Friday at 4:00 p.m., also at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.