Savouge’s imposing net defense, which had been the defining feature of its semifinals sweep, suddenly went quiet when it mattered most.
After averaging a towering 14.33 blocks per game in the round-robin semis—including a monstrous 23-block outing against AEP-Cabstars—the Spin Doctors arrived in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals as the league’s most feared front line. But in Game 1, that identity was disrupted.
Criss Cross carved through the usually disciplined wall, limiting Savouge to just seven blocks as it seized control of the series opener and drew first blood in the best-of-three championship showdown.
For Savouge’s Mark Calado, the difference was clear: Criss Cross simply refused to be contained—led by Jude Garcia, who delivered a commanding performance that tilted the match from the start.
Garcia erupted for a game-high 26 points built on 23 kills off 38 attacks, consistently finding seams in Savouge’s coverage and dictating the pace whenever the rallies extended. His relentless offensive pressure left the Spin Doctors scrambling for answers at the net.
“Talaga siguro nawala sa amin since ‘yung mga nakaraang laro namin sa semis talagang marami kaming nablock sa bawat kalaban namin,” said Calado, who tried to keep Savouge afloat with 23 points.
“Hindi talaga namin nastop si Kuya Jude and madami din talaga silang ginawang variation ng palo,” he added.
Despite the setback, Savouge remains far from conceding the series. With Game 2 looming after only a brief turnaround, the Spin Doctors are banking on experience and adjustment, particularly in shoring up their reading of Criss Cross’ attacking patterns and restoring the timing that once made their blocking unit a weapon.
“Sabi ni madam, happy lang kasi thankful kami kasi nakapasok kami ng championship. Hindi pa naman natatapos yung [Finals], so meron pang Game 2 sa finals, and hopefully sana umabot kami ng Game 3 para doon namin bakbakin,” Calado said.
“Sabi ni madam, training lang. Bukas, kung ano yung mga lapses namin, gagawin namin sa ensayo, at sana maging mas okay pa yung galaw namin.”
For a team built on control at the net, Savouge now faces its biggest test yet: rediscovering the very identity that carried it to the Finals—before Criss Cross runs away with the series.
