No net mistake this time as Malabunga seals deal
Late in Criss Cross’ rubber match with Savouge for the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday, veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga had a flashback of a critical blocking error he had while seeing action for Alas Pilipinas, which could have resulted in an FIVB World Championship first for the Filipinos.
Though playing on a much smaller stage, Malabunga fought through his fears and sealed the King Crunchers’ 28-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23 victory over Savouge with a monster block on Louie Ramirez as Criss Cross ruled the tournament with the national team mainstay now being able to move forward.
“Honestly, those last two points had me really nervous,” said Malabunga in Filipino. “It reminded me of the last time I was in that same situation during the World Championship. I was worried I might mess up (again) and affect the team.
“But the guys with me kept helping and motivating me, they told me I just needed to perform so we could help each other out,” he added.
Team Philippines was on the verge of playing in the round-of-16 of the World Championship when Malabunga also had what looked like a game-clinching block on an Iranian player that was overturned after a challenge. It was later seen that the Filipino had a net fault violation.
“I kept thinking I might still make a mistake and drag the team down,” Malabunga, who actually had the last two Criss Cross points, added. “But I told myself I had to get past that fear, because I was really, really scared at that moment.
“I still have a bit of trauma from last time, so I really pushed myself to not let it happen again—for them,” said Malabunga after finishing with 11 points, highlighted by three blocks.
Jude Garcia, considered as the face of the league, captured his fifth Conference MVP while also winning the Finals MVP.
Garcia unleashed 27 points on 23 kills, three blocks and an ace. Noel Kampton had 20 points, while Best Outside Spiker Alche Gupiteo added 12 points and seven digs.
Two-time league Best Setter Adrian Villados dished out 33 excellent sets, while libero Manuel Sumanguid defended the floor with 20 excellent receptions out of 24 attempts and had eight digs.
Entering the league two years ago, Criss Cross finally captured its first Open Conference crown after losing the past two editions to defunct Cignal.
