Criss Cross gets back at Savouge, nears Spikers' Turf crown

MANILA, April 16 ------ Criss Cross flexed its might against Savouge to take a step towards the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference championship at the FilOil Centre. The King Crunchers took care of business in four sets, 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, 25-20, in Game 1 of their best-of-3 Finals series.

The result also gave Criss Cross a measure of revenge against the Spin Doctors, who had ended their unbeaten run in the semifinals. Jude Garcia led the way with 26 points on 23 kills and three blocks, while Jaron Requinton and Noel Kampton backed him up with 18 and 12 points, respectively. Adrian Villados was credited with 29 excellents on top of two points. "Sobrang saya ko sa ginawa ng team namin, actually full team work talaga siya kasi kahit ‘yung mga nasa bench full support sila sa amin sa court," said Requinton, who started in place of outside hitter Alche Gupiteo.

Gupiteo sat out the game due to a minor shoulder injury. Savouge, which had swept the semifinals, showed its grit in the second set where they built a 17-14 lead then weathered a late Criss Cross rally to tie the match. Criss Cross answered emphatically, pulling away for a 16-10 lead in the third set and never looking back.

The King Crunchers leaned on their net defense, finishing with 16 blocks while also benefiting from 26 errors from the Spin Doctors. Mark Calado top scored for Savouge with 23 points on 22 attacks and one kill block. Game 2 is set on Friday.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com