After years of near misses, Criss Cross finally ascended to the summit, capturing their first-ever championship in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference last November, ending a string of three runner-up finishes.
With longtime rival Cignal Super Spikers on a temporary hiatus, the King Crunchers now find themselves wearing the mantle of the team to beat as the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference kicks off this Wednesday, February 25, at the Filoil Centre.
Speaking at the league’s press conference on Monday at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Parañaque, Criss Cross stalwart Rex Intal admitted that the pressure of defending their title is immense—but welcomed.
“Knowing Coach Tai, lahat ng teams sobrang paghahandaan namin. ‘Yung Savouge kasi kahit sobrang paghandaan namin chinachallenge talaga kami and knowing na ngayon ang daming nadagdag sa kanila, the pressure is on us kasi kami ‘yung recent champions this time around,” said Intal.
The challenge is clear. Savouge, now bolstered by offseason reinforcements Louie Ramirez, JP Bugaoan, and Joeven Dela Vega—veterans of Cignal and PGJC-Navy—emerges as the primary threat. Alpha Insurance and Cabstars, along with VNS Always Bright Laticrete and 3B, round out a competitive six-team field that promises a gripping season.
Criss Cross, however, has retained its core and added depth with former Cignal and Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Lloyd Josafat, as well as University of Santo Tomas beach volleyball standout Alche Gupiteo, shoring up their bid for a first Open Conference crown.
“Sa Spikers’ Turf natin, sa men’s volleyball, magiging exciting pa rin ito and I think mas naging balanse ngayon dahil from the teams na nawala, nakapick up ‘yung ibang teams ng other pieces. I think this conference will be really exciting for everyone,” said team captain Ysay Marasigan.
Four-time league MVP Jude Garcia will lead the charge for Criss Cross, supported by Noel Kampton, Jaron Requinton, Gian Glorioso, and Nico Almendras among a slew of talented teammates.
The King Crunchers open their campaign against VNS Always Bright Laticrete this Wednesday at 3 p.m., ready to defend their crown under the bright lights and the weight of expectations.
