Criss Cross the target as Spikers’ turf gets going
With the departure of nine-time champion Cignal, all eyes are on Criss Cross as it vies for its second crown in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. And the King Crunchers are up for a fight as the five other teams bolstered their respective rosters ahead of Wednesday’s opener at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Following its breakthrough title run in the Invitational Conference after beating Japan’s Kindai University last November, Criss Cross remains hungry for more with reigning MVP Jude Garcia leading the crew that also has Noel Kampton, Poy Colinares, Jaron Requinton, Adrian Villados, Kim Malabunga, Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan.
Even without Marck Espejo, who is playing in Taiwan, the Tai Bundit-coached squad got even more formidable after also signing Alas middle blocker Lloyd Josafat from Cignal, setter Elijah Kim and Alche Gupiteo.
“I think the league has become more balanced because teams were able to pick up key pieces. This conference will really be exciting for everyone,” Marasigan said during the launch on Monday at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Parqal, Parañaque.
The five other teams, two-time bronze medalist Savouge, Alpha Insurance and VNS and newcomers 3B Event Masters and AEP Cabstars, point to the King Crunchers as the team to beat.
But for Intal, Criss Cross’ team to beat is Savouge, which has pushed them to the limits in past matches and has beefed up its roster with Cignal players Louie Ramirez, JP Bugaoan, and KC Andrade, Navy star Joeven Dela Vega and setter Kim Dayandante.
“For Savouge, no matter how much we prepare, they always find a way to challenge us—especially now that they’ve added more players to their lineup,” said Intal in Filipino. “There’s definitely pressure on us since we’re coming off a championship. But we welcome that challenge.”
Savouge was a set away from reaching the finals in the last Invitational, but it fell to Criss Cross and Kindai University. With a stronger roster for a team led by Mark Calado, deputy coach Macky Cariño aims for a breakthrough.
