One side seeks domination. The other aims for redemption.
Criss Cross and Savouge collide for the second time in six days as they face off again in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference preliminaries Friday at the FilOil Playtime Centre.
The King Crunchers turned what had been billed as a clash between two league powerhouses into a display of superiority last Sunday, sweeping the Spin Doctors highlighted by a dominant third-set rout.
They meet again at 5 p.m.
Savouge, eyeing a breakthrough campaign with a roster bolstered by former Cignal Super Spikers standouts, actually matched Criss Cross in stretches of their first encounter. The Spin Doctors held the King Crunchers to tight exchanges in the opening two sets, with Set 2 particularly hanging in the balance before Criss Cross displayed its championship poise to prevail in an extended duel.
The third set, however, turned into a showcase of power, class and finesse by the King Crunchers.
Adjustments will be crucial for Savouge, particularly in pressure-packed moments. Still searching for full cohesion, especially in late-set situations, the Spin Doctors must show resilience and sharper decision-making under pressure.
Former Cignal ace Louie Ramirez led Savouge with 16 points, meshing well with mainstay Shawie Caritativo. Middle blocker JP Bugaoan, another former Super Spiker, added nine markers to provide presence at the net.
But the rest of the squad struggled to deliver.
Mark Calado managed just five points in a stint marred by mishits, while Giles Torres, Hero Austria, Madzlan Gampong and Louis Gamban produced numbers well below expectations.
Criss Cross, on the other hand, came out firing from the start.
While Jude Garcia remained the team’s main scoring option, the rest stepped up when called upon – most notably rookie Alche Gupiteo, whose presence further strengthens the already formidable frontline of the King Crunchers.
The former UST beach volleyball standout quickly found his rhythm in his first outing with Criss Cross, even earning Player of the Week honors in his debut.
What makes Gupiteo particularly dangerous is his all-around game. Aside from scoring, he contributes significantly in reception and has become an added force in the team’s net defense.
His 14-point output against Savouge – surpassing Garcia’s 13 – hints at more explosive performances to come.
“Same pa rin kasi kung ano ‘yung ini-ensayo namin, ‘yun lang ‘yung ginagawa namin. Maging masaya kami sa ginagawa namin every game, magco-contribute ‘yun sa ginagawa namin sa court. Dapag nage-enjoy kami,” said Garcia.
With Noel Kampton and Lloyd Josafat contributing eight points each and Paul Colinares adding seven, the Spin Doctors will have plenty to adjust – not only in their offensive patterns but more importantly on the defensive end – if they hope to get even with the Invitational Conference champions.
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars also seek a repeat win against winless VNS Griffins at 1 p.m., aiming for their third victory in six games to strengthen their semifinal bid in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
Alpha Insurance Protectors (3–3) likewise try to replicate their three-set rout of 3B Event Masters (2–4) at 3 p.m. and stay in third place. But the Event Masters are expected to come out aggressive as they attempt to keep their own semis hopes alive.
