Criss Cross a champion at last after five-set Spikers' Turf final

December 1 ------ The King Crunchers are champions at last, outlasting Japanese guest team Kindai University in a riveting 25-15, 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 22-20 thriller to capture the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown at the Playtime Filoil Centre.

Once on the brink of a reverse-sweep collapse, the Rebisco-backed team clawed its way through an extended fifth set, saving six championship points before a costly attack error from Misugi Haruka finally sealed the long-awaited title at 22-20. Now a four-time league MVP, Jude Garcia capped another heroic campaign with 35 points — this time ending in gold after falling short in his first three finals appearances. “Sobrang sarap sa feeling. Unang championship namin. Ilang heartbreaks na, tatlong seasons, nakuha rin namin yung championship. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam,” he said.

But the night belonged just as much to second setter Adrian Villados, who stepped up for the injured Ish Polvorosa and Alas Pilipinas-bound Eco Adajar. The young playmaker steered the offense with 34 excellent sets to earn Finals MVP honors. Nico Almendras and best middle blocker Popoy Colinares added 15 points each, while Noel Kampton threatened a triple-double with 13 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs. Haruka paced Kindai with 27 points and nine digs, but the Japanese side squandered six opportunities to become the first foreign guest team to ever win a Spikers’ Turf championship.

Dethroned champion Cignal refused to leave empty-handed, surviving Savouge in another five-set battle, 25-18, 17-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, to clinch the bronze medal. Wendel Miguel led the Super Spikers with 21 points, while Steven Rotter and Vince Maglinao each added 12, the latter also collecting 16 receptions. Brothers JP and Martin Bugaoan then chipped in 10 points apiece. Former Cignal reserve Mark Calado fronted Savouge’s challenge with 24 points and 10 digs, while Shawie Caritativo turned in a monster defensive effort with 19 points and 28 receptions.

Source: spin.ph