MANILA -- Criss Cross secured the first semifinals ticket in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference in scintillating fashion on Wednesday night.
The King Crunchers survived an impressive challenge from Far Eastern University, 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 21-25, 17-15, at the Paco Arena to improve to 5-0.
Three-time MVP Jude Garcia took charge against his alma mater, firing 24 points on 21 attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace to go along with nine excellent digs, while rookie Noel Kampton registered 22 points on 19 attacks and three kill blocks along with 16 excellent receptions.
Noel Kampton of Criss Cross goes for an attack against FEU in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 12, 2025 at the Paco Arena in Manila. PVL Media
"'Yung first set nag-relax kami," Kampton admitted, as the team suffered a slow start before regaining their rhythm in the next two sets. "Feeling ko lang 'to, feeling ko syempre college team eh, tingin namin nasa (semi-pro) kami, kaya namin sila."
"But sorry kasi nagkamali kami. Knowing FEU, ano talaga sila eh, they worked hard to earn the win. Ayun, happy naman ako kasi nanalo kami," he added.
Criss Cross reached match point after a costly service error from Mikko Espartero, 14-13. But Kampton committed a service fault of his own in the next rally, and Lirick Mendoza turned Jaron Requinton back at the net to shift the lead to FEU, 15-14.
Garcia came to the rescue for Criss Cross, scoring off a crosscourt hit for a 15-all count.
Adrian Villados then hammered a floating ball before Poy Colinares roofed Kyle Tandoc to help the King Crunchers survive and eliminate the Tamaraws from contention.
Villados continued to impress with 31 excellent sets to go along with two points for Criss Cross.
Requinton posted 15 points on 10 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while Colinares tallied 11 markers.
The King Crunchers aim to extend their winning streak to six games when they take on the red-hot University of Santo Tomas-Gameville Golden Spikers on Friday, 1 p.m. at the same venue.
FEU-DN Steel bowed out of contention with a 1-4 record and will face VNS, also on Friday at 10 a.m.
Dryx Saavedra led the way for the Tamaraws with 25 points, while Mendoza and Espartero added 17 and 16 points, respectively.