Criss Cross once again proved why it remains the team to beat in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, overcoming an early stumble before dismantling 3B Event Masters, 22-25, 25-10, 25-13, 25-15, on Friday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
After dropping the opening set in surprising fashion, the King Crunchers regrouped behind a dominant performance from four-time league MVP Jude Garcia, who powered the team’s comeback and kept their unbeaten run intact. The victory placed Criss Cross on the brink of a first-round sweep in the double-round eliminations.
Garcia delivered his most complete performance of the conference, finishing with 26 points built on 19-of-31 attacks, five kill blocks, and two service aces. His explosive showing ignited the King Crunchers after a sluggish start and helped restore their rhythm as the match progressed.
The veteran opposite admitted the team initially came out too relaxed, allowing 3B to steal the first set. But once Criss Cross settled down and followed head coach Tai Bundit’s approach of staying loose and enjoying the game, the defending contenders quickly flipped the momentum.
“Una syempre naging siguro kampante ‘yung team. Sobrang in-underestimate ‘yung kalaban kaya nakuha ‘yung first set. Kumbaga, talaga lahat ng teams sa Spikers’ Turf, pinaghahandaan kami. Gusto kaming talunin, so dapat focus lang every game and every match. Kailangan 100 percent talaga,” Garcia said.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa plan ni Coach Tai na happy-happy lang kasi nung first set sobrang seryoso nung set na ‘yun. So kailangan talaga iba ‘yung rhythm ng team, which is naging maganda naman ‘yung palit ng tao.”
Once Criss Cross rediscovered its groove, the match quickly turned one-sided. The King Crunchers dominated the statistical battle with a commanding 54-38 edge in attacks, while also controlling the net with an 8-3 advantage in blocks and a 6-3 lead in service aces.
Alche Gupiteo backed Garcia with another steady performance, tallying 12 points along with 13 excellent receptions to anchor the team’s floor defense. Bench contributors Lloyd Josafat and Jaron Requinton also delivered key offensive support, adding 11 and 10 points, respectively, as Criss Cross showcased its depth.
The victory marked the King Crunchers’ fourth straight win, keeping them undefeated heading into a highly anticipated showdown with fellow unbeaten Savouge Spin Doctors on Sunday — a clash that will determine who completes the first-round sweep.
On the other side, 3B Event Masters absorbed their second consecutive defeat and slipped to a 1-3 record.
Carl Berdal led the Event Masters with 12 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Israel Encina chipped in 10 markers. The team will try to end its opening-round campaign on a positive note when it faces AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 1 p.m.