Criss Cross King Crunchers delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, March 8, 2026, overcoming Savouge Spin Doctors in a thrilling three-set battle at the Filoil Playtime Centre. The King Crunchers’ 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 victory completed a perfect sweep of the opening round and handed Savouge its first defeat in the conference.

The match highlighted the depth, experience, and composure of Criss Cross, proving that their championship mindset remains unmatched in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.

Villados directs Criss Cross’ offense

Adrian Villados took command of the offense with 19 excellent sets and added three points through a combination of attack, block, and ace, earning him Best Player of the Game honors. His leadership was pivotal in navigating the pressure from the unbeaten Savouge Spin Doctors.

Villados credited teamwork and focus for the win. “Savouge talaga is ayun, kahit naman kami nalalakasan sa kanila. Mas mataas din ‘yung pressure ‘pag kalaban sila, pero sabi nga ni Coach Tai (Bundit), ‘Laro lang, happy lang,’” he said.

Balanced scoring from veterans and newcomers

Alche Gupiteo led the scoring for Criss Cross with 14 points, complemented by four-time MVP Jude Garcia’s 13. Noel Kampton and Lloyd Josafat contributed eight points each, while John Pepito held firm with 17 excellent receptions.

The team limited mistakes to 14 errors while exploiting Savouge’s 23 miscues, establishing control throughout the contest and demonstrating their readiness for the next round.

Key moments shift momentum

Criss Cross faced a tense second set, trailing 16-21 before mounting a rally that forced an extended set. The team capitalized on service errors and unforced mistakes by Savouge to regain momentum and secure the set.

In the final set, Criss Cross dictated the pace from a 16-12 lead, with Nico Almendras finishing the match with a decisive kill that sealed the 25-17 victory.

Next challenges

The King Crunchers will face Alpha Insurance Protectors at the start of the second round on Wednesday, 5 p.m., at the San Juan venue.

Savouge Spin Doctors, now second in the standings, will look for redemption in a rematch on Friday, 5 p.m. Louie Ramirez led Savouge with 16 points, Shawie Caritativo recorded 12 points and 15 excellent receptions, JP Bugaoan contributed nine points, while Mark Calado and Giles Torres managed five points each.