Criss Cross' Jude Garcia. PVL Images.

MANILA -- Criss Cross announced its arrival with a bang, sweeping fellow newcomer Maverick, 25-8, 25-22, 25-11, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The King Crunchers reigned above the net, tallying a total of 20 kill blocks, including 12 in the opening set, and converting 38 of their 65 attacks attempts to dispatch the Hard Hitters in their debut.

“Lumabas lang siguro 'yung ginagawa namin during the trainings, kung ano talaga 'yung tinuturo ni coach Tai [Bundit],” said Criss Cross team captain Ysay Marasigan. 

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After the blocking masterclass in the first set, the King Crunchers struggled to adjust in the following frame but managed to find a way to overcome a slim deficit to take a commanding 2-0 set advantage.

It was all Criss Cross from there, with the team leading by as much as 12 points in the third set en route to the one-hour, 18-minute win.

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“Maganda 'yung naging resulta pero ayun nga, nung second set hindi kami naka-adjust so parang hindi rin namin nakuha 'yung momentum namin na ganun. I think naging okay din naman overall,” he added.

Jude Garcia led the way for the King Crunchers with 18 points on 12 attacks, five blocks, and one ace to go along with eight excellent receptions while Kim Malabunga added 11 markers on six blocks and five attacks in the victory.

Criss Cross will take on VNS-Nasty next on Friday, 6 p.m., at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

On the other hand, no player from Maverick breached double digits in scoring with Kim Tan leading the way with nine points.

The Hard Hitters aim to bounce back against PGJC-Navy on Wednesday, 4 p.m., at the Philsports Arena.

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