King Crunchers inch closer to perfect elimination round

Criss Cross stayed on the brink of a flawless run in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after cruising past VNS Always Bright Laticrete in straight sets, 25-17, 25-14, 25-12, on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The King Crunchers notched their ninth win of the conference and are just one victory away from completing a clean sweep of the elimination round. They face 3B next Friday at the Paco Arena with a chance to enter the round-robin semifinals unbeaten. In the semis, all teams will start fresh with a 0-0 record, making every match a new challenge.

“As second stringers, sobrang saya namin kasi binigyan kami ni Coach Tai ng chance na makapaglaro full game this day. Happy kami na ganon din kasupport yung ibang teammates namin na makapaglaro kami ng buo at masaya kanina,” said Criss Cross opposite hitter Jaron Requinton, who led the squad with 16 points.

Head coach Tai Bundit rotated all 14 players in his lineup, mixing the usual starters with bench players. Criss Cross’ depth proved too much for the young VNS squad, closing out the match in just 61 minutes.

Nico Almendres contributed 10 points along with seven excellent receptions, while setter Eco Adajar orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets. Lucca Mamone added eight points, including three blocks, and Pemie Bagalay tallied six points, six receptions, and three digs in limited time.

For VNS, returning CJ Segui led the team with six points and 11 receptions, while Winfred Santos, Jun Edang, and Terrence Marticion chipped in five points each. The Griffins, still searching for their first win, will take on Savouge on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.