After toppling two title contenders, league-leading Criss Cross looks to stretch its winning run to five as it faces another formidable foe in UST-Gameville in the 2025 Spiker’s Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Riding a four-game surge, the King Crunchers have shown no signs of slowing down, dismantling defending champion Cignal and two-time bronze medalist Savouge Aesthetics in convincing fashion to stay firmly in control of the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision.
But the Golden Spikers are also in fine form, coming off back-to-back victories over the VNS Griffins and the Alpha Insurance Protectors. They now seek a breakthrough win against an established powerhouse in their keenly awaited 5 p.m. clash.
The matchup — capping another explosive triple-header — could significantly shake up the semifinal race in this men’s volleyball club tournament.
A win for Criss Cross will push it closer to a Final Four berth, while a UST-Gameville (3-1) upset could throw the semis race wide open.
Beyond the standings, the duel shapes up as a classic battle of strengths — the league’s most ruthless offensive force against one of its most disciplined defensive walls.
Anchoring Criss Cross’ high-octane offense is a balanced arsenal that has kept opponents guessing all season long.
Three-time league Most Valuable Player Jude Garcia remains the driving force on the wing, while rookie Noel Kampton has brought fearless energy and thunderous jump serves to the mix. Newcomer Poy Colinares has also been a revelation at the middle, providing instant impact with his net presence.
Together, they have transformed Criss Cross into the tournament’s most lethal scoring unit — No. 1 in spiking at 47.03 percent, third in blocking (2.71/set), and third in serving (0.93/set) heading into the crucial encounter.
On the opposite end, UST-Gameville counters with a defense that has frustrated some of the league’s most potent attacks.