King Crunchers Respond Strongly, Sweep Protectors to Keep Finals Hopes Alive

After suffering their first loss of the tournament, Criss Cross bounced back with a dominant straight-set win over Alpha Insurance, 31-29, 25-22, 25-20, to claim their first victory in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The win improved the King Crunchers’ semifinals record to 1-1, while also securing the Spin Doctors' first-ever Finals berth in the league with a 2-0 record.

Criss Cross and AEP Cabstars, both holding 1-1 records, will face off in a knockout match on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same San Juan venue for the final Finals spot.

"We truly deserved this win today because everyone contributed. No matter who stepped on the court, they played their role and executed what the coaches asked of us," said four-time MVP Jude Garcia.

The King Crunchers faced a tough opening set but pulled through with Lloyd Josafat and Alche Gupiteo delivering back-to-back points to win the marathon frame, 31-29.

Criss Cross' net defense was critical in the second set, especially when the score was tied at 22-all. A net fault by Edward Camposano sparked a decisive run, with Gupiteo and captain Ysay Marasigan coming up with key blocks against Don Nadera and Camposano, helping the King Crunchers take the set 25-22 and a 2-0 lead.

A strong 10-5 start to the third set sealed the sweep for Criss Cross after 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Garcia led the way with 22 points, including 19 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Gupiteo contributed 13 points, 14 receptions, and five digs. Leading All-Star vote-getter Adrian Villados added 27 excellent sets, and Josafat contributed 10 points, half of which came from blocks.

Camposano finished with 13 points and eight digs for the Protectors, but their 0-2 record eliminated them from Finals contention.

Billie Anima added 12 points with eight attacks and four blocks, while JJ Javelona chipped in 10 points and 14 receptions.

Alpha Insurance will close out their semifinals campaign against the already Finals-bound Savouge on Sunday at 5 p.m.