Savouge clinched its first-ever Finals berth in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after Criss Cross bounced back with a crucial straight-sets win over Alpha Insurance, 31-29, 25-22, 25-20, on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The result propelled the Savouge Spin Doctors to a 2-0 record in the round-robin semifinals, sealing their spot in the championship round even before their final assignment.
Earlier in the day, Savouge had moved on the brink of the Finals after overcoming AEP Cabstars, 25-27, 25-15, 25-19, 25-16, to remain unbeaten.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa sistema… Second set, nag-adjust kami… Hindi puwedeng puro drop ball; dapat lagyan namin sila ng pressure,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, whose squad leaned on adjustments and a dominant net presence to turn the match around.
After dropping a tight opening set where AEP erased a 22-24 deficit behind a late surge from Jay Rack Dela Noche and company, the Spin Doctors responded emphatically. The team overwhelmed the Cabstars with 23 total blocks to assert control the rest of the way.
Mark Calado led Savouge with 28 points, while JP Bugaoan added 16 markers highlighted by seven blocks. Louie Ramirez and Rikko Marmeto also delivered key contributions on both ends.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Moments later, Criss Cross ensured Savouge’s passage to the Finals by taking down Alpha Insurance to improve to 1-1, forcing a winner-take-all clash for the remaining berth.
Coming off their first loss of the tournament, the King Crunchers showed resilience in a grueling opening set before pulling away for the sweep.
“Sobrang deserving talaga namin manalo today kasi talagang lahat ng teammates ko… nagko-contribute,” said four-time MVP Jude Garcia, who powered Criss Cross with 22 points built on 19 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Key plays from Alche Gupiteo and Lloyd Josafat sealed the extended first set, while the King Crunchers’ net defense took over late in the second behind crucial blocks from Gupiteo and skipper Ysay Marasigan.
Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with 27 excellent sets, while Josafat added 10 points, including five blocks.
On the other side, Edward Camposano paced Alpha Insurance with 13 points, but the Protectors dropped to 0-2 and were eliminated from Finals contention.
With Savouge already through, Criss Cross and AEP Cabstars — both at 1-1 — will dispute the last Finals berth in a knockout match on Sunday at 3:00 PM. On the other hand, the Spin Doctors wrap up their semifinals campaign against the Protectors at 5:00 PM, still at the San Juan venue.
