Criss Cross opposite hitter Jude Garcia (in orange jersey) tries to score against three Alpha Insurance defenders in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals at the Filoil Playtime Center in San Juan on Friday (April 10, 2026). Garcia scored 22 points in leading the King Crunchers to victory. (Spikers’ Turf photo)
Criss Cross and the AEP-Cabstars are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, with the last ticket to the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals hanging in the balance at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.
Both teams enter the crucial 3 p.m. clash carrying identical 1-1 records in the semifinal round, making their encounter a virtual knockout match. The winner moves on to the championship round to face Savouge, which has already secured its place in the finals.
Criss Cross heads into the match with confidence after asserting its dominance over the Cabstars during the double-round eliminations. The King Crunchers also gained momentum from a convincing 31-29, 25-22, 25-20 victory over Alpha Insurance on Friday, a win that showcased both their composure and firepower under pressure.
Expected to lead the charge for Criss Cross are Jude Garcia, Alche Gupiteo, Adrian Villados, and Lloyd Josafat, with Garcia once again expected to anchor the team’s push in the biggest match of its campaign so far.
“We know how to handle the pressure that comes our way, so we will all contribute, no matter who enters. We will do everything for every point, even if it is easy,” said Garcia, a four-time MVP.
“No matter what situation is given to us, we will work through it. Nothing comes easy, so we will struggle.”
On the other side, the Cabstars are determined to seize their breakthrough moment and punch their first-ever finals berth. Jay Rack De La Noche and Jared Schnake are expected to provide the offensive spark, while EJ Casana will be tasked with steering the attack and keeping the team composed in what could be the most important match in franchise history.
Meanwhile, Savouge will try to carry its unbeaten run into the finals when it faces Alpha Insurance at 5 p.m. The Spin Doctors, who swept their first two semifinal assignments, will look to stay sharp and sustain their winning rhythm heading into the title series.
Savouge will once again lean on the steady presence of Mark Calado, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, Shawie Caritativo, and Giles Torres, while Alpha Insurance will pin its hopes on Jau Umandal, Edward Camposano, and JJ Javelona as the Protectors aim to close out their semifinal campaign on a strong and pride-filled note.