Since joining the Spikers’ Turf in 2024, Savouge has faced Criss Cross seven times—and lost every single match.
Seven games. Seven heartbreaks. Each defeat reinforced the King Crunchers’ dominance, leaving the Spin Doctors searching for answers and a way to finally turn the tide.
The memories of those matches still linger. Moments when victory seemed within reach slipped away, games that could have changed the course of their season ended in frustration, and the elusive breakthrough remained just out of grasp.
Now, heading into Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown, things feel different.
Leading the charge are Louie Ramirez and JP Bugaoan, seasoned veterans who defeated Criss Cross in all three finals they played with their former Cignal squad. Their poise, experience, and winning know-how bring exactly what Savouge has been missing in previous encounters with one of the league’s most formidable squads.
“Never pa kami nanalo, lagi lang kaming fifth set sa kanila,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, recalling their past heartbreaks at the hands of the King Crunchers.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
According to Calderon, having Ramirez and Bugaoan on the roster is crucial in ending the Spin Doctors’ long-standing losing skid against Criss Cross.
The two veterans have been sharing their experiences with the squad, helping to integrate their insights and strategies into the team’s game plan. Their presence is already shaping how Savouge approaches the match.
“Malaking bagay sina Louie at JP kasi gina-guide din nila ‘yung mga mainstays namin, sini-share nila ‘yung mga best practices nila kung saan sila galing, sa Cignal,” said Calderon.
“Nagko-compliment naman din yung system namin. Happy ako kasi unti-unti na silang nakaka-adapt sa system.”
The match carries even higher stakes.
With both squads tied at the top with identical 4-0 records, the winner will emerge as the sole unbeaten team heading into the second round of the eliminations, seizing a crucial momentum boost that could shape the rest of the conference.
Calderon emphasized that beyond strategy and skill, she wants the team to enjoy the game while staying fully focused, believing that the combination of joy and concentration is what makes the Spin Doctors truly unstoppable.
“Sabi ko sa team ko, hindi madaling kalaban ‘yung Criss Cross as always. Gusto ko lang makita ‘yung enjoyment lang, kasi kapag nandun ‘yung enjoyment sa court at focused sa laro, unstoppable ‘yung mga bata ko. Sana ‘yun ‘yung di mawala this Sunday,” she said.
“Ready na kami sa bakbakan this Sunday.”
