Spikers’ Turf: Savouge forces Game 3 vs Criss Cross in Open Conference finals; Cabstars bag bronze

The Savouge Spin Doctors kept their title hopes alive after sweeping the Criss Cross King Crunchers, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, on Friday at the Filoil Centre to force a deciding Game 3 in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.

Four players finished in double figures for Savouge, led by Mark Calado with 15 points built on 14 attacks. Giles Torres, Louie Ramirez, and JP Bugaoan added 10 points each. Shawie Caritativo contributed seven points, along with 15 receptions and six digs, while setter JC Enarciso orchestrated the offense with 22 of the team’s 26 excellent sets.

Jude Garcia and Alche Gupiteo paced Criss Cross with 10 points apiece in the one-hour, 30-minute match.

“Hindi naman ito makukuha ng madali,” said Calado. “Kung gusto naming magkaroon ng Game 3, kailangan paghirapan.”

Earlier, AEP-Cabstars secured the bronze medal after defeating the Alpha Insurance Protectors, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23.

Jay Rack de la Noche led the Cabstars with 23 points and seven digs, while Jared Schnake and Mfena Gwaza chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively. EJ Casana tallied 39 of the team’s 40 excellent sets, while Vince Lorenzo anchored the floor defense with 28 receptions and 17 digs.

Ranz Cajolo scored 22 points, while Rommelito Baptista added 12 points, along with 26 receptions and seven digs, for Alpha Insurance.

—JKC, GMA News