King Crunchers storm into finals

Jude Garcia delivered a masterclass performance to lead Criss Cross to its fourth consecutive finals appearance in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, fending off a stubborn UST-Gameville side, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Garcia unleashed 31 points on a blistering 30-of-48 spiking clip — an efficient 62.5 percent — while also adding a block, proving once again why he remains the heartbeat of the King Crunchers.

The victory improved Criss Cross’ record to 4-1 and set up a championship clash against the winner of the Savouge Aesthetics versus Kindai University matchup later in the day.

The win also knocked out defending champion Cignal, ending the Super Spikers’ remarkable streak of eight consecutive Finals appearances in the league organized by Sports Vision.

“It was very challenging because UST really pushed us to the limit. It also shows how we regrouped and stayed composed inside the court to get this victory,” Garcia said.

True to form, the three-time Most Valuable Player finished the game for Criss Cross, scoring five of their final seven points to overcome the Golden Spikers’ late surge in the fourth set. His backrow hit that bounced off UST-Gameville’s blockers sealed the match after one hour and 54 minutes, keeping the King Crunchers’ championship dreams alive.

Earlier in the match, Garcia put Criss Cross at set point in the third with an off-the-block spike, while Noel Kampton denied Gboy De Vega at the net to secure a 2-1 set advantage, 25-23.

Nico Almendras contributed 10 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Gian Glorioso matched the Golden Spikers’ seven blocks single-handedly for nine points.

Despite being out-attacked by UST-Gameville, 64-54, Criss Cross dominated the blocking department, 14-7, and capitalized on the Golden Spikers’ 30 errors, 16 more than they committed. UST-Gameville concluded their campaign with a 1-4 semifinal record.