Jude Garcia of Criss Cross soars for a spike against UST in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 14, 2025 at the Paco Arena in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Criss Cross marched to a three-set victory over University of Santo Tomas on Friday, preserving their unbeaten record in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The King Crunchers turned back the Golden Spikers, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21, at the Paco Arena in Manila to hike their record to 6-0.
Criss Cross had been wary of UST, especially after being pushed to five sets by another collegiate team -- Far Eastern University -- in its previous assignment on Wednesday. Moreover, the Golden Spikers were armed with momentum after pulling off an upset over defending champion Cignal HD.
READ: UST shocks Cignal to stay on track for a semis spot
READ: Criss Cross survives gritty FEU to stay unbeaten
"Coming from game namin sa FEU-DN Steel, sabi namin hindi porke't collegiate team hindi lalaban," said Criss Cross middle blocker Poy Colinares, who delivered 10 points built on four emphatic blocks.
"Nandito sila kasi nag-qualify sila from V-League, which is hindi biro 'yung liga. Sa men's volleyball dito, kahit anong edad mo, sasabay at sasabay ka—mapa-pro or collegiate."
Criss Cross took the opening frame behind a late surge from Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton and Adrian Villados, breaking away from a tight 19-all knot to secure the three-point win.
The King Crunchers then shifted into a higher gear in the second set, unleashing a blistering 17-5 start that left the Golden Spikers scrambling and ultimately too far behind to recover.
In a tight third set, Garcia, Colinares and Noel Kampton delivered the finishing blows as they wrapped up the one-hour and 18-minute romp.
Garcia, a three-time league MVP, once again starred with 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while also contributing six digs. Requinton and Kampton added eight points apiece.
The win halted UST-Gameville's impressive three-game surge, sending the Golden Spikers to 4-2, tied with Savouge and Cignal as they stay on track for a semis berth.
Al-Bukharie Sali led UST-Gameville with 12 points, while top gunner Josh Ybañez was limited to just seven as Criss Cross' disciplined defense keyed the sweep.
UST-Gameville will attempt to formally punch its semis ticket on Sunday when it faces the ousted FEU-DN Steel at 5 p.m.