Jude Garcia Powers Criss Cross to Straight-Set Win
Criss Cross launched its Spikers’ Turf Invitational title defense by sweeping AFP in 70 minutes at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The King Crunchers controlled all three sets, winning 25-15, 25-14, 25-12 behind a match-high 13 points from Jude Garcia.
Criss Cross Sweeps AFP to Begin Title Defense
One Sports covered Criss Cross’ commanding victory as the defending champion opened another Invitational Conference campaign against the AFP Cavaliers. The King Crunchers completed the straight-set result in 70 minutes while limiting AFP to progressively lower totals each frame.
Criss Cross held the Cavaliers to 15 points during the opening set before taking the second frame, 25-14. The defending champions completed their opening victory with a 25-12 third set, joining Alpha Insurance at 1-0.
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King Crunchers Finish Opening Match in 70 Minutes
Criss Cross required 70 minutes to complete its first Invitational Conference victory while surrendering only 41 points across three sets. AFP scored 15, 14, and 12 points across the respective frames during its opening assignment against the defending champions.
Jude Garcia Scores 13 Points in Criss Cross Win
Garcia led all scorers with 13 points, contributing across attacks, blocking, and serving during the King Crunchers’ opening victory. The five-time MVP finished with seven successful attacks, four blocks, two aces, and five excellent digs against AFP.
Garcia recently returned from representing Alas Pilipinas at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 before rejoining Criss Cross. Despite the convincing result, the former Far Eastern University standout acknowledged that the team’s combinations still required additional work.
Garcia Says Criss Cross Chemistry Needs More Work
“Siguro po, sobrang nag-a-adjust pa kasi ilang weeks pa lang kami nagsasama,” Garcia said.
Garcia specifically identified team chemistry as an area Criss Cross must continue improving before its upcoming Invitational Conference assignments.
“So, kailangan pa ng gelling namin. So, yung chemistry namin, medyo off pa, so kailangan talaga trabahuhin namin para sa darating na games, maging pulido na yung galaw namin,” he added.
His comments followed a straight-set victory achieved shortly after several players returned from their recent national-team commitments with Alas Pilipinas.
Pacinio Leads Supporting Cast Behind Garcia
Newcomer Amil Pacinio contributed eight points, with every point coming through successful attacks during his first Invitational appearance with Criss Cross. Noel Kampton and Poy Colinares added six points apiece, while Kennedy Batas and Lucca Mamone each contributed another five.
Adrian Villados, another returning Alas Pilipinas player, recorded 15 excellent sets during Criss Cross’ three-set victory over the Cavaliers. His performance accompanied contributions from several attackers as the King Crunchers opened their Invitational title defense with balanced scoring numbers.
Villados, Sumanguid and Pepito Supply Key Numbers
Manuel Sumanguid registered 13 excellent digs, while John Pepito contributed 12 excellent receptions during their shared backcourt responsibilities against AFP. Villados added 15 excellent sets, complementing the production from Garcia, Pacinio, Kampton, Colinares, Batas, and Mamone during the sweep.
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Criss Cross Faces Savouge After Opening Sweep
Criss Cross next faces Savouge on October 21 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre following its straight-set victory over AFP. The upcoming assignment gives the King Crunchers another Invitational Conference match after beginning their championship defense without dropping a set.
Savouge enters that meeting following a five-set defeat against Alpha Insurance during its opening Invitational Conference assignment in Cebu. The result left Savouge seeking its first victory while Criss Cross joined Alpha Insurance among the early 1-0 teams.
Savouge Enters After Five-Set Alpha Insurance Loss
Savouge pushed Alpha Insurance through five sets before dropping its opening match ahead of the October 21 Criss Cross encounter. Criss Cross enters that meeting after its AFP sweep, with Garcia publicly emphasizing continued work on the defending champion’s chemistry.
AFP Looks to Recover Against 3B on October 21
Pol Salvador led AFP with eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong contributed five during the Cavaliers’ straight-set loss against Criss Cross. The Cavaliers finished below 16 points in every frame as their Invitational Conference campaign began with a three-set defeat.
Jessie Lopez supplied nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions during his return to competition for the Cavaliers. AFP next faces 3B on October 21, giving the team another opportunity to secure its first Invitational Conference victory.
Salvador and Lopez Lead Cavaliers Against Criss Cross
Salvador’s eight points represented AFP’s highest scoring total, while Pagulong followed with five during the opening defeat against Criss Cross. Lopez contributed nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions before the Cavaliers turned their attention toward their next assignment.
Analytical Breakdown: Criss Cross Found Its Balance
Criss Cross showed impressive structure despite chemistry concerns, maintaining balanced scoring and defensive control throughout its dominant opening sweep. Garcia’s blocking and serving added valuable pressure, while Pacinio’s immediate production prevented AFP from concentrating exclusively on the primary scorer. Savouge should provide a stronger test of whether Criss Cross can maintain that balance as its developing combinations face greater resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Criss Cross versus AFP?
Criss Cross swept AFP, 25-15, 25-14, 25-12, to open its 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference title defense successfully.
How many points did Jude Garcia score?
Garcia produced 13 points from seven attacks, four blocks, and two aces while adding five excellent digs against AFP.
Who else scored for Criss Cross?
Amil Pacinio scored eight points, while Noel Kampton and Poy Colinares contributed six points apiece during the victory.
Who will Criss Cross play next?
Criss Cross next faces Savouge on October 21 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in its second Invitational assignment.
Who led AFP against Criss Cross?
Pol Salvador paced AFP with eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong contributed five during the Cavaliers’ straight-set opening defeat.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
