Savouge produced one of the biggest shocks of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals, overturning a two-sets-to-one deficit to defeat the previously unbeaten Criss Cross King Crunchers in a five-set battle, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13, at the FilOil Centre on Wednesday.

The Spin Doctors entered the match carrying two preliminary-round losses to Criss Cross but flipped the narrative at the most important stage of the tournament. The result moved Savouge within one victory of a finals berth and set up a decisive clash against AEP-Cabstars.

Head coach Sydney Calderon credited the team’s belief and mindset shift in high-pressure situations, emphasizing that the semifinal stage demanded full focus on a single opportunity to advance.

Criss Cross controlled large portions of the match after taking the second and third sets, putting Savouge on the brink of elimination. However, the Spin Doctors responded in the fourth set with improved defensive positioning and more efficient attacking sequences.

The fourth frame turned on key defensive stands late in the set, where Savouge managed to extend rallies and force Criss Cross into errors. That shift forced a deciding fifth set in a match that had looked close to slipping away.

The final set became a tightly contested battle with multiple deadlocks, as neither team was able to create separation in the early stages. Savouge eventually found a slight edge through timely blocking and transition execution.

A crucial sequence came midway through the set when Mark Calado and JP Bugaoan combined for a block that broke a 7-7 tie and gave Savouge its first meaningful cushion in the decider.

Criss Cross continued to fight back and even erased a match point to pull within 14-13, keeping the pressure on Savouge until the final rally.

Out of a timeout, Savouge executed cleanly as Vince Imperial set up Calado for a sharp crosscourt finish that ended the match and sealed the comeback victory.

Fifth-set composure and execution

Savouge’s control in the deciding set came from disciplined execution and reduced errors during extended rallies. The Spin Doctors relied on structure and defensive stability to withstand repeated Criss Cross runs.

Bugaoan anchored the net defense with key blocks that disrupted Criss Cross attacks at critical moments. Calado provided the finishing punch in the closing stages with efficient shot-making under pressure.

Imperial managed the offense with composure, spreading the ball effectively and keeping the attack balanced even as the set tightened.

Criss Cross first defeat of the tournament

Criss Cross saw its unbeaten run end despite a strong performance from Jude Garcia, who finished with 29 points. Gupiteo added 18 points while Kampton contributed 16 points and 21 excellent receptions.

After dominating the elimination round, Criss Cross struggled to close out the match in the final two sets as Savouge extended rallies and tightened its defense. The inability to finish key points proved decisive in the outcome.

Savouge’s balanced offense and late defensive discipline ultimately secured the comeback win and pushed the Spin Doctors to the verge of a finals appearance.