Savouge refused to bow out quietly, leaning on a bold tactical shift and a breakout performance from an unexpected source to drag the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals into a winner-take-all Game 3.
With their backs against the wall in Game 2, head coach Sydney Calderon made a daring call—handing the playmaking duties to second-string setter JC Enarciso instead of All-Star starter Vince Imperial. It was a gamble that reshaped the entire flow of the match.
Enarciso responded with composure beyond his role, steering the Spin Doctors’ offense with precision as Savouge dominated Criss Cross, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, on Friday night at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. The victory leveled the best-of-three championship series at one game apiece.
The Perpetual Help alumnus tallied 22 excellent sets, unlocking a balanced attack that saw four teammates finish in double figures, led by Mark Calado’s 15 points. Giles Torres, Louie Ramirez, and JP Bugaoan each added 10, while Shawie Caritativo contributed seven markers alongside 15 receptions and six digs in a two-way effort.
For Enarciso, the performance carried extra meaning after a tough outing in their first encounter with the King Crunchers, where Savouge fell in straight sets. That earlier setback, he admitted, fueled his response in Game 2.
“Siguro bumawi lang ako nung elimination round 1, kasi ako yung ginamit against sa kanila. Lumamang kami, pero nagkulang kami sa huli. Yun yung kulang ko nung elimination,” Enarciso said.
“Kaya siguro bumawi ako sa kanila. Nag-compose ako and naka-focus ako kung saan nakakapatay saka doon yung swerte, doon ako pumupunta.”
Now with momentum shifting and everything on the line, Enarciso and Savouge turn their attention to Game 3—not just chasing a win, but a breakthrough moment in franchise history.
