Criss Cross libero Philip Pepito in their game against Cignal HD in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 8, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross found an unlikely hero in libero Philip Pepito in a hard-earned four-set victory against Cignal HD that brought them closer to a spot in the finals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The King Crunchers got a rare and precious point from their libero in the clutch en route to a 25-20, 22-25, 25-12, 26-24 victory, Sunday evening at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Jude Garcia was once again the primary offensive weapon for Criss Cross, as he put up 25 points on 21 kills. Skipper Ysay Marasigan added 12 markers.
But Pepito earned his share of glory, after his pass on the third ball clipped the net and landed on an open spot in the Cignal HD court during the closing stretch of the fourth set. The lucky break put Criss Cross at match point, 25-24.
READ: DN Steel-FEU stays in medal hunt by sweeping Hyogo
Cignal HD's Louie Ramirez committed an attack error in the next rally, sealing the victory for the King Crunchers who improved to 2-0 in the semifinals.
It was also the eighth win in a row for the King Crunchers, who stopped the HD Spikers' own streak at nine matches.
.JPG)
Action between Criss Cross and Cignal HD in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 8, 2024 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media"Credit sa mga teammates ko, kasi tinulungan nila ako. Nagtulungan kami sa dulo kaya nakuha namin ito," said Garcia.
"Nakakapagod, sobrang ganda ng laro, sobrang exciting kasi pinaghandaan namin ang isa’t isa, kaya sobrang ganda ng laban," he also said.
Ramirez top-scored for Cignal HD with 18 points, while JP Bugaoan scored four of his 12 markers on kill blocks. Unfortunately for the HD Spikers, they also gave away 32 points off their errors.
Cignal dropped to 2-1 heading into their showdown against guest team KondohGumi Hyogo on Wednesday.
Now at 2-0, Criss Cross will aim for a finals berth against Savouge on Wednesday. Should they falter, the King Crunchers will have another chance against the winless Hyodo side on Friday.