Criss Cross hot on elims sweep

Top meets bottom as Criss Cross looks to complete a sweep of the double-round eliminations in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, facing also-ran PGJC Navy today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and aiming to maintain its unbeaten record.

All signs point to a Criss Cross victory, with the team winning all nine of its matches so far. However, the Sealions, despite being out of the semifinals race with a 1-8 record, will look to play spoiler and end their campaign on a high note.

Criss Cross has proven its grit and resilience, particularly in two five-set thrillers against Savouge. Each time, the King Crunchers showcased their growing maturity — an invaluable trait as they pursue their first-ever championship after falling short to the Cignal HD Spikers twice last season.

“This is a huge achievement for us. We’re really happy to be unbeaten so far, but as coach Tai (Bundit) always reminds us, we can’t be complacent. The elimination round isn’t over, and we still have work to do,” Criss Cross star Jude Garcia said in Filipino.

The King Crunchers take on the Sealions at 3:30 p.m., hoping to carry their dominance into the round-robin semifinals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.

After an intense week that saw them defeat defending champion Cignal and title contender Savouge, Criss Cross remains focused on finishing strong.

“We’ll take a well-deserved rest on Monday, then get back to preparing for our next game. Hopefully, we keep improving and get the result we want,” Garcia added after scoring 27 points in their latest victory over the Spin Doctors last Sunday.

Garcia and Jaron Requinton, who delivered 22 points in the same match, will once again lead the charge, with Ish Polvorosa setting up their explosive offense.

Meanwhile, the Sealions will lean on John Ashley Jacob, Peter Quiel and Owen Suarez as they try to snap their seven-game losing streak.

In the 6 p.m. match, VNS will try to formalize its semis entry as it tangles with Savouge. But even if they lose, the Griffins can still advance if the Alpha Insurance Protectors fall to HD Spikers in the 1 p.m. opener of the final elims playdate.

The Griffins will rely on CJ Segui and KC Culabat in their crucial battle against the Spin Doctors, who will counter with Mark Calado and Shawie Caritativo, determined to bounce back from their heart-breaking loss to the King Crunchers.

Meanwhile, the HD Spikers look to continue their strong form against the Protectors. Steven Rotter will spearhead Cignal’s attack, while Alpha Insurance banks on Edward Camposano, Vincent Nadera and JJ Javelona to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

To steal the fourth and final semis berth, Alpha Insurance must defeat Cignal in either three or four sets and hope VNS loses in four sets or less.