Criss Cross continued its relentless march toward another title run, overwhelming a hapless AEP-Cabstars side, 25-12, 25-14, 25-13, to extend its dominant streak to eight victories in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Playtime Centre.
The King Crunchers wasted no time dismantling the Cabstars, maintaining an unstoppable rhythm as they build momentum heading into the round-robin semifinals of the Sports Vision-organized tournament.
The victory also halted the Cabstars’ own two-game run against 3B and the Griffins, dropping 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, underscoring its control throughout the match.
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.
Kim Malabunga and Poy Colinares added nine and seven markers, respectively, for Criss Cross.
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.
Coming off back-to-back setbacks to Criss Cross, Savouge roared back emphatically, demolishing 3B with a dominant 25-18, 25-13, 25-13 victory to clinch the second semifinal berth .
Despite the absence of head coach Sydney Calderon, the Spin Doctors flashed their full strength against a hapless Event Masters side, powering their way to a swift 55-minute rout for a 5-2 record, joining the unbeaten King Crunchers in post-elims play of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Kailangan talaga naming makahanap ng panalo. Kasi nga ‘yun nga, natalo kami ng dalawang sunod na game,” said Savouge assistant coach Macky Cariño, filling in for Calderon, who was sidelined for personal reasons.
“Kailangan din naming mag-perform in today’s game kasi ‘yun nga, kailangan na kailangan naming makabawi para makakuha ulit kami ng panalo. Sa mga susunod naming laban, ito na ‘yung preparation namin,” he added.
The Spin Doctors dominated the match from start to finish, pounding out a 42-21 advantage in attacks, raining 10-1 in aces, towering 6-1 in blocks, and keeping their errors to just 11 against 3B’s 17.
