Spikers' Turf: Criss Cross overpowers AEP-Cabstars, improves to 8-0

MANILA, March 19 ------ Criss Cross marched to its eighth straight win, overwhelming AEP-Cabstars 25-12, 25-14, 25-13 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The King Crunchers are already assured of a semifinal spot in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. With the result, they halted the Cabstars' two-game winning streak and dropped them to 3-4. "Sobrang proud ako sa teammates ko kasi talagang ponagtrabahuhan ng bawat isa 'yung 8-0 na 'yun," said Jude Garcia, who finished with 12 points which included four service aces in the 60-minute demolition job. "Dun mo talaga makikita 'yung sacrifices ng bawat isa, ng players, ng coaches, tapos 'yung management talaga. Sobrang thankful ako na nakuha namin 'yung gantong record, pero siyempre 'di pa tapos," he added.

The King Crunchers imposed their will at the net and finished with 16 kill blocks against the Cabstars’ two. Criss Cross also held a clear edge in attacks, 41-26, and capitalized on the service line with a 5-0 advantage in aces. Alche Gupiteo finished with nine points and nine excellent receptions, while Noel Kampton scored 12 points as well on eight attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Adrian Villados steered the offense with 16 excellent sets and finished with four points.

The King Crunchers gun for No. 9 against winless VNS Always Bright Laticrete on Friday, 1 p.m. at the same venue. Despite the setback, the Cabstars remained at fourth spot. Jay Rack De La Noche and Jared Schnake paced AEP-Cabstars, who missed the services of Vince Abrot, with eight points apiece. EJ Casaña tossed 17 excellent sets in the loss, while Vince Lorenzo tallied 23 excellent receptions. AEP-Cabstars will take on 3B next also on Friday, 3 p.m. hoping to firm up its bid for the last semis seat.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com