MANILA – Criss Cross King Crunchers relied on their efficient blocking to defeat D’Navigators-Iloilo, 25-18, 25-14, 25-16, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Behind the towering presence of middle blockers Gian Glorioso and Rex Intal, the King Crunchers tallied 19 blocks in their three-set victory to secure their third victory in as many matches.
Glorioso delivered a game-high 14 points, built on eight blocks and six attacks, while Intal contributed six markers, five of which came from blocks, for the Open Conference runner-ups.
“Overall, I think it was a good performance,” Glorioso said after the match. “Obviously, we have some areas to improve on, some areas to work on pa. I would say naman na collective effort talaga every win.”
“No matter if naglalaro or not, sa training kasi nagsa-start ‘yung preparedness sa game eh so I would say lahat ng teammates ko… collective effort talaga,” added the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout.
Rookie outside spiker Nico Almendras and Open Conference MVP Jude Garcia each contributed 13 points, while team captain Ysay Marasigan chipped in eight points and six digs for Criss Cross.
Madz Gampong led the Ilonggos with 11 points, while Edward Camposano and Vince Himzon were held to seven and six points, respectively. They dropped to a 1-2 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, DN Steel-Far Eastern University Tamaraws also notched a 3-0 start after a 25-19, 29-27, 25-23 triumph against the PGJC Navy Sealions (1-1). Dryx Saavedra top-scored for the Tamaraws with 13 points.
La Salle-EcoOil Green Spikers, on the other hand, debuted with a 25-21, 25-20, 25-13 victory over the Martelli Meats Master Butchers (0-3). Noel Kampton led the Green Spikers with 12 points, including 11 attacks./PN
