Savouge Spin Doctors knotted their leash in the nick of time, toppling the unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13, to move closer to a finals spot in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the FilOil Center, April 8.
The Spin Doctors seemed headed for doom after winning the first set but dropping the next two to the King Crunchers, a familiar story, before rallying with a balanced offense in the fourth.
"It’s very emotional for me because after so many seasons of always being ‘almost there,’ we finally broke the curse. I’m really proud of my team. That’s all I can say," Savouge coach Sydney Calderon uttered.
Their victory snapped Criss Cross’ perfect 10-game run while also avenging two earlier defeats in the elimination rounds.
Mark Calado and Giles Torres led the pack with 14 and 13 markers respectively, while Shawie Caritativo and Louie Ramirez stepped up from the bench for Savouge with 12 points apiece.
The Spin Doctors kickstarted their payback bid after dishing out crisp plays to eventually secure the first set with a narrow 25-22 cushion.
However, the Criss Cross aces refused to fold and snatched the following two sets courtesy of Jude Garcia and Alche Gupiteo's successive hits.
The Spin Doctors crawled back in the fourth frame with solid blocking to foil Garcia and Gupiteo’s striking efforts before forcing a decider behind Caritativo's crucial spikes.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the final set as both teams traded attacks which sparked seven deadlocks, until Caritativo unleashed an off-the-block hit to reach match point for Savouge.
The King Crunchers delayed their demise behind Garcia’s spike, but Calado’s powerful crosscourt kill pierced through the defense of the former to cap the upset.
Despite the loss, Garcia exploded with 29 points, Gupiteo tallied 18, while Noel Kampton scored 16 and clocked 21 excellent receptions, all for naught in the loss.
Savouge is now a win away from the first championship round seat and are set to lock horns with AEP-Cabstars on Friday.
Written by Kenneth Martin Lerio, Insight PH
Kenneth Martin Lerio, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
