Redemption or validation? Revenge or confirmation?
Whatever the motivation, Criss Cross and Savouge collide Wednesday in a Finals showdown that has evolved from predictable to pulse-pounding.
Game 1 of their best-of-three series for the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown fires off at 5 p.m. at the FilOil Playtime Centre – a title clash that, at the start of the season, felt inevitable. But the road to this moment has reshaped the narrative, turning what once looked like a coronation into a collision of equals.
With the surprise leaving of perennial powerhouse Cignal, the spotlight naturally shifted to Criss Cross and Savouge. Both delivered. But the intrigue now lies in how dramatically the balance of power has shifted.
Criss Cross dominated their preliminary meetings, reinforcing their bid for back-to-back titles. Yet in the semifinals, Savouge flipped the script – stunning the King Crunchers in a gripping five-set thriller that snapped a nine-game losing streak in the rivalry and handed Criss Cross its lone defeat of the tournament.
More than just a breakthrough, it was a statement: Savouge has arrived, and Criss Cross is no longer untouchable.
Stung by that loss – which also ended a 14-game winning run – Criss Cross enters the Finals with renewed urgency. Star hitter Jude Garcia underscored the need for sharper focus against a team brimming with belief.
“Back to zero ulit,” said Garcia. “Nanalo sila sa amin sa semis pero hindi natatapos doon. Sa Finals magkakaalaman (They beat us in the semifinals, but it doesn’t end there. The Finals is where everything will be decided).”
Garcia, who normed 25 points per game in the semis, leads a deep and disciplined roster anchored by prized rookie Alche Gupiteo, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Kim Malabunga, Adrian Villados and Menard Guerrero – each capable of shifting momentum on both ends.
On the other side, Savouge enters its first-ever Finals appearance with confidence and freedom. Head coach Sydney Calderon is banking on a loose but fearless approach.
“We are the challengers… gusto ko lang mag-enjoy talaga yung team,” said Calderon. “Wala namang pressure sa amin (“I just want the team to enjoy. There’s no pressure on us).”
That mindset has translated into results. Mark Calado delivered clutch performances in the semis, while JP Bugaoan, Giles Torres, Shawie Caritativo, Louie Ramirez, Vince Imperial and Rikko Marmeto have formed a balanced, unpredictable core.
With both squads boasting depth and versatility, the Finals shapes up as a war of endurance – where rotations, adjustments and composure under pressure could spell the difference.
Game 1, then, looms large – not just for the early lead, but for the psychological edge in a series where neither side is expected to yield.
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars and Alpha Insurance Protectors begin their own best-of-three duel for third place at 3 p.m., setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes night of top-notch volleyball.
