Mark Calado’s explosive 36-point performance wasn’t enough to carry Savouge past Criss Cross, as the King Crunchers pulled away late in the decisive fifth set to secure a thrilling five-set victory, 20-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-19, 15-11, and remain unbeaten in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The King Crunchers leaned on standout performances from Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton to erase a 1-2 deficit and extend their unbeaten streak to nine wins in as many games in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Garcia delivered a game-high 27 points, 23 of which came from attacks, while adding 11 excellent receptions. Requinton contributed 22 points built on 15 attacks, five kill blocks, and two aces, along with six excellent digs for Criss Cross.
“Talagang nag-prepare ‘yung Savouge sa amin. Talagang tinrabaho ng bawat isa, hindi lang naman ako, talagang team effort din ‘yung game today. Kung sinong ipasok ni Coach Tai (Bundit), talagang nagco-contribute,” said Garcia.
“Napakagandang sign para sa paparating ng semis. Talagang eager lahat bawat isa sa’min kapag nasa loob ng court,” he added.
(C) Spikers Turf
With Savouge holding a slim 10-9 lead in the fifth set, Shawie Caritativo and Deanne De Pedro committed crucial errors that allowed the King Crunchers to string together five straight points.
The run featured two points from Garcia and a powerful block from Requinton that pushed Criss Cross to a commanding 14-10 advantage.
Calado tried to keep Savouge afloat with an off-the-block hit, but Kim Malabunga sealed the win with a thunderous quick attack that secured Criss Cross’s ninth straight victory in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Gian Glorioso provided additional firepower for the King Crunchers, tallying 12 points, including four kill blocks. Malabunga added eight markers.
Setter Ish Polvorosa orchestrated the team’s offense with 28 excellent sets while also contributing two points and eight excellent digs.
Criss Cross will aim to complete its elimination-round sweep against the struggling PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 3:30 PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
(C) Spikers Turf
Meanwhile, this marked the second time the Spin Doctors faltered after taking a 2-1 lead, having previously lost to defending champion Cignal in five sets earlier this week.
Calado’s conference-high 36-point effort, composed of 32 attacks and four kill blocks, went for naught as Savouge slipped to a 5-4 record, still holding the third spot in the standings.
Caritativo was held to just 10 points but managed 16 excellent receptions, while Madz Gampong and Giles Torres chipped in nine points apiece.
The Spin Doctors will look to close out their elimination campaign on a strong note when they face VNS-Laticrete on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
