Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia: Putting up a show against his alma mater with 19 points. Contributed photo
King Crunchers topple Ultras
CRISS Cross bucked a first-set setback to beat erstwhile unbeaten DN Steel-FEU side, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21, to reinforce its semifinal bid in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday night.
Playing against his alma mater, Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia capitalized his familiarity of the Ultras by posting a match-high 19 points, including 14-on-33 kills and four blocks, and 16 receptions to lead the King Crunchers.
The victory, the fifth in six matches, pulled Criss Cross in a tie with idle Cignal in second place while delaying DN Steel-FEU’s march to the Final Four.
Despite the loss, the Ultras, with the core of the V-League Collegiate Conference champions, remain on top of the standings with a 6-1. Garcia serves as one of Eddieson Orcullo’s assistants in FEU.
Garcia, who previously led the Tamaraws to Finals appearances in both men’s volleyball and men’s beach volleyball in the UAAP in 2019, said facing the Ultras will help them a lot.
“Nakatulong din na players ko sila, kumbaga lahat ng ginagawa nila alam ko rin eh. Nagtuturo ako, alam ko na rin ‘yung galaw nila. Malaking factor din ‘yun,” said Garcia.
The King Crunchers also drew 14 points from Gian Glorioso, who matched Garcia’s four blocks.
Glorioso credited Criss Cross’ second-set resurgence to its focus on minimizing errors and sticking to its strengths in front of the good-sized crowd who braved the inclement weather.
“We got carried away in the first set with so many errors, and we lost our drive,” said Glorioso. “But from the second set onward, we settled down and played our game.
“This is a big win for us. The standings have become incredibly tight, so every victory counts. This boosts our chances of securing a spot in the next round and keeps us on track for our goals,” he added.
Nico Almendras and Ysay Marasigan tallied 11 points each with the former National University star also finishing with 13 receptions, while Ish Polvorosa displayed great control of the King Crunchers’ offense, churning out 23 excellent sets.
Criss Cross will zero in on a semis slot as it expects to have a cakewalk against also-ran Chichi DHTSI on Nov. 27.
The Ultras are bracing for a tough task to regain their winning ways against the streaking HD Spikers on Sunday.
Dryx Saavedra paced DN Steel-FEU with 15 points, while Mikko Espartero had 12 points and six digs. Doula Ndongala and Lirick Mendoza contributed 10 points apiece.
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