Spikers’ Turf Finals: Savouge forces deciding Game 3 vs Criss Cross

Savouge Spin Doctors celebrate a point against Criss Cross King Crunchers in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — First-time finalist Savouge stayed alive and prevented Criss Cross from clinching a second straight title with a 25-22, 25-21, 25-19 win in Game 2 of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals on Friday at Filoil Centre.

From Mark Calado carrying the load in the series opener, the Spin Doctors came out firing with a balanced attack as Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, and JP Bugaoan stepped up when it mattered most.

Calado finished with a game-high 15 points on a 14-of-25 spiking clip and a block, scoring half of the team’s last eight points.

“This game wasn’t easy at all. Everyone really worked for it—the effort from the coaches and my teammates was there. I’m very thankful because we were able to execute what we practiced yesterday, especially our blocking and defense,” said Calado in Filipino. “Our goal was really to stop their key players—the ones who usually score for them. We’ll keep working on that in training until we reach our goal of winning the championship.”

JC Enarciso was also a revelation as a main setter for Savouge in Game 2 with 22. excellent sets, while Calado put on the finishing touches before substitute Madz Gampong drilled the game-winning kill.

Giles Torres provided five of the Spin Doctors’ nine blocks for 10 points. Bugaoan and Louie Ramirez also scored 10 each, with the latter having 14 excellent receptions, while Caritativo chipped in seven points, 15 excellent receptions, and six digs. 

Savouge has a final chance to win its first-ever Spikers’ Turf title in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday at the same venue in San Juan City.

The Spin Doctors fell in the series opener on Wednesday, 20-25, 28-26, 25-18, 25-20, where Calado finished with 23 points.

But they bounced back to secure their second win over Criss Cross, replicating their semifinal upset over the champion club.

“Actually, we really enjoyed training yesterday. Before we started, I asked the team: ‘Is this going to be our last training day, or do you want to extend it until Saturday and push for a Game 3 on Sunday?’ said Savouge coach Sydney Calderon.

“All the players said they still wanted to fight. So I told them we can do it. We just made adjustments to our defensive patterns and blocking. We cleaned things up in less than 24 hours, and the players did a great job embracing those adjustments. They were really disciplined. It was impressive.”

Criss Cross, playing its fifth straight finals, hopes to salvage its title repeat campaign in another Open Conference finals Game 3 for the second consecutive year.

Jude Garcia, who erupted for 26 points in Game 1, was limited to 10 points on a 9-of-25 spiking clip. Alche Gupiteo, who missed Game 1 due to a minor shoulder injury, returned to action with 10 points, while Jaron Requinton and Lloyd Josafat added nine each.