Criss Cross celebrates a point against Savouge in the semifinal round of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 23, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL Media

MANILA -- Marck Espejo was triumphant in his return to the Spikers' Turf, as Criss Cross overpowered Savouge in straight sets to open the semifinal round of the Open Conference, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The King Crunchers recorded a 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 triumph, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches and gaining an early advantage in the single round-robin Final 4.

Espejo, coming off a stint with the Kubota Spears in the Japan V.League, saw limited action in his comeback to the local league. But the King Crunchers did not need the former Ateneo superstar to come up with a big game, with Jude Garcia and Nico Almendras instead carrying the scoring load.

Garcia, the reigning MVP of the Open Conference, led Criss Cross' well-balanced offensive attack with 12 points, while Almendras contributed 11 points from nine attacks, one block, and an ace. Almendras also delivered an outstanding defensive performance, tallying 16 excellent receptions.

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"We really focused on our defense because it was clear that Savouge had been preparing for us. That's why we worked hard for every point, and we got the win," said Garcia in Filipino.

Kim Malabunga and Jaron Requinton chipped in eight markers each, while Gian Glorioso added seven points for the King Crunchers in the one-hour, 19-minute contest.

Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the team's plays with 17 excellent sets, while Manuel Sumanguid anchored the floor defense with eight excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Espejo, who last suited up for Criss Cross in Game 2 of the 2024 Open Conference on May 10, made his much-anticipated return and tallied five points in his first game back in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.

"This is a huge boost for us, especially with Kuya Marck back in the lineup. But we can't afford to relax—we still need to stay focused," said Garcia.

Marck Espejo of Criss Cross goes for a spike against Savouge in the semifinal round of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 23, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL Media

Almendras' well-placed spike caught Savouge off guard, pushing Criss Cross to match point at 24-18. Moments earlier, Sherwin Caritativo's attempt to keep Savouge alive was met with a formidable block, highlighting the King Crunchers' defensive prowess.

With the Spin Doctors reeling, Almendras sealed the match with an ace, securing the straight-set win.

With momentum firmly on their side, Criss Cross looks to extend its winning streak to 12 when it takes on VNS-Laticrete on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The much-anticipated clash with their arch-rivals, the Cignal HD Spikers, looms on Sunday.

On the other hand, Savouge struggled to find its rhythm and looked nothing like the squad that had previously pushed the King Crunchers to five-set thrillers in the elims.

Mark Calado and Sherwin Caritativo paced Savouge with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Spin Doctors will look to bounce back from a rough start when they face defending champions Cignal HD Spikers on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The best-of-three finals will start on April 2, with the King Crunchers determined to stay on course for the championship – one that slipped through their grasp last year after falling to the HD Spikers in both the Open and Invitational Conferences.