Criss Cross and Savouge kept their perfect starts intact in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, each securing their fourth straight wins Friday at the Filoil Centre and setting the stage battle of the unbeatens this Sunday, 5 p.m., to close the first round.
Criss Cross overcame a sluggish start to dominate 3B, posting a 22-25, 25-10, 25-13, 25-15 victory while Savouge maintained its unbeaten form by dispatching AEP-Cabstars in straight sets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16.
Jude Garcia spearheaded the King Crunchers with a game-high 26 points, built on 19-of-31 attacks, five kill blocks, and two service aces.
“Una siguro naging kampante ‘yung team… Pero nag-stick lang kami sa plan ni Coach Tai [Bundit] na happy-happy lang,” Garcia said, reflecting on their first-set hiccup before the team found its rhythm.
Alche Gupiteo added 12 points with 13 excellent receptions, while Lloyd Josafat and Jaron Requinton contributed 11 and 10 points off the bench.
Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, replacing starter Eco Adajar in the second frame.
After the opening stumble, Criss Cross dominated with a 54-38 advantage in attacks, 8-3 in blocks, and a 6-3 lead in service aces.
3B fell to 1-3, with Carl Berdal and Israel Encina scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Mark Calado led the Spin Doctors with 14 points, while Louie Ramirez added 13 and Shawie Caritativo 10. JC Enarciso guided the offense with 13 excellent sets in the first two frames.
Despite a slow start and struggles from the service line, Savouge recovered with a 44-35 edge in attacks and a commanding 12-2 advantage in blocks.
Head coach Sydney Calderon acknowledged early errors but praised the team’s adjustment: “Nag-try kaming mag-serve talaga ng mabigat… pero good thing nakabawi kami sa latter part.”
AEP-Cabstars dropped to 1-3, with Jay Rack De La Noche scoring 13 points and debutant Jared Schnake adding 10, complemented by Vince Lorenzo’s 17 excellent receptions.
With both teams now 4-0, the Sunday clash promises to not only break the tie but also determine the early leader in the tournament.
Earlier that day, the winless teams—3B and AEP-Cabstars—will face off at 1 p.m., aiming to end the opening round on a high.
