Edward Camposano of D'Navigators celebrate a point against Criss Cross in their semifinal match of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, May 1, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. PVL Media

MANILA -- D'Navigators started the semifinal round of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference with a shock victory over Criss Cross, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

D'Navigators pulled off the upset in four sets, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17, as they overhauled a slow start.

They bounced back in the extended second set and rode that momentum to gain the full three points and an early lead in the four-team semis field.

"Pinaghandaan talaga namin sila, pinaghandaan talaga namin sila. Sabi ko, sa amin walang mawawala, pero sa kanila maraming mawawala," said D'Navigators head coach Boyet Delmoro just moments after the emphatic victory.

Ahead by just two points, 19-17, in the fourth frame, Edward Camposano went for a searing cross-court hit before Jayvee Sumagaysay scored on back-to-back blocks on Ysay Marasigan and Marck Espejo in a 4-0 run that gave their side a 23-17 advantage.

They then pounced on the King Crunchers' errors in the closing stretch, with Jude Garcia and Espejo committing back-to-back attack faults to end the one-hour, 49-minute showdown.

"Siguro na-challenge yung mga players ko saka nagusap kami kung anong plano talaga. Sa awa ng Diyos lumabas naman. Yung intensity para manalo nandoon, confident talaga sila," said Delmoro.

Francis Saura took charge for the D'Navigators anew after finishing with a game-high 20 points, all on attacks, while the pair of Camposano and Deanne De Pedro chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Setter Kim Dayandante earned Player of the Match honors after tallying 16 excellent sets to go along with five points while Rick Adao held his own on defense with 22 excellent receptions for the D'Navigators, who were coming off a five-set loss to PGJC-Navy to end the eliminations.

READ: Navy scores confidence-boosting win against D'Navigators

The D'Navigators will try to sustain their momentum as they head to their rematch against defending champion Cignal, who has yet to suffer a loss this tournament, at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the King Crunchers (0-1) were led by Marck Espejo with 15 points, despite playing just two and a half sets, on 13 attacks and two aces.

Jude Garcia added 13 points on nine attacks, two aces, and two blocks laced with 19 excellent receptions in the loss while Chu Njigha added 12 markers, highlighted by four blocks.

Team captain Ysay Marasigan was held to just six points while Kim Malabunga only had four.

Criss Cross looks to bounce back against PGJC-Navy also on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.