Even with its second unit taking center stage, Criss Cross showed it has far more than just a starting six, overwhelming VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 25-14, 25-12, to stay on track for an elimination-round sweep in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday at the Filoil Centre.
What was expected to be a routine outing instead turned into a clear showcase of the King Crunchers’ depth, as the reserves stepped in and delivered a dominant 61-minute victory. With the result, Criss Cross notched its ninth straight win and moved one victory away from completing a perfect elimination round.
Given extended minutes, the bench responded with confidence and cohesion, proving the system runs just as efficiently regardless of personnel. Jaron Requinton led the charge with 16 points, while Nico Almendras backed him up with 10 points and seven excellent receptions in a well-rounded performance.
Setter Eco Adajar orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 18 excellent sets, while Lucca Mamone maximized his court time with eight points highlighted by three blocks. Pemie Bagalay also made his presence felt with six points, six receptions and three digs in limited action.
Head coach Tai Bundit rotated all 14 players, yet the level of play never dipped – underscoring the team’s preparation and depth. Criss Cross dictated the tempo from the opening serve and never allowed VNS to find any rhythm.
“As second stringers, sobrang saya namin kasi binigyan kami ni coach ng chance na makapaglaro the whole game,” said Requinton. “Masaya kami na nakasupport din ang teammates namin.”
Criss Cross guns for a sweep against 3B next Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila, aiming to enter the semis with momentum and confidence.
In the Final Four of the tournament, organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha Insurance, Black Mamba, Premiere EMS, and ArenaPlus, all teams will start from scratch, with records reset to 0-0.
CJ Segui paced VNS with six points and 11 receptions, while Winfred Santos, Jun Edang, and Terrence Marticion chipped in five points each. Still winless in eight matches, the Griffins will try to break through against Savouge at the Paco Arena on Tuesday.
