King Crunchers gun for No. 2

Games today:
(Ynares Sports Arena)
4 p.m. — Iloilo vs Air Force
6 p.m. — Criss Cross vs VNS-Nasty

Criss Cross hopes to capitalize on its impressive debut as it tangles with VNS-Nasty while Iloilo kicks off its campaign in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference against Air Force at the Ynares Sports Arena today.

The King Crunchers, rejuvenated after their dominant 25-8, 25-22, 25-11 victory over the Maverick Hard Hitters last week, expect another strong performance from team captain Ysay Marasigan, Jude Garcia and Kim Malabunga as they take on the Kenneth Culabat-led Griffins.

Marasigan emphasized the team's focus on maintaining the same intensity that led to their 20 blocks against the Hard Hitters as they prepare for the Griffins at 6 p.m.

"We're preparing for our game against VNS-Nasty because we can already scout them," Marasigan said.

"I think we just have to correct our past lapses and revert to the system of Coach Tai (Bundit)."

Meanwhile, Iloilo will parade its veteran recruits, led by former national team standouts Francis Saura, Jayvee Sumagaysay and Kim Dayandante as they go up against Bryan Jaleco and the Airmen.

Air Force, who totes a 1-1 card, seeks to bounce back from its 21-25, 21-25, 18-25 defeat against PGJC-Navy in their previous match.

Meanwhile, Cignal faced a formidable challenge from Savouge Aesthetics but still pulled through with a 25-15, 27-25, 25-23 victory, stretching its win run to three late Wednesday.

Jau Umandal came up big for the HD Spikers anew, finishing with 23 points, all on attacks, and showcased his defensive skills, coming through with 10 excellent receptions to power the defending champions to victory for continued hold of the lead.

The Spin Doctors missed a couple of chances in a tense-filled endgame in the extended second set and put up a valiant fight in the third, overcoming a three-point deficit before Lorenz Senoron hammered a cross-court attack that tied the game at 23.

But JP Bugaoan scored on back-to-back plays to frustrate the Spin Doctors and secure the win.