Criss Cross captures first Spikers' Turf Open Conference title by outlasting Savouge

Criss Cross survived a brave stand by Savouge to complete a hard-fought 28-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23 win in do-or-die Game 3 of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Filoil Centre. 

The King Crunchers seized their first-ever Open Conference title and second straight crown following their breakthrough championship in the previous Invitational Conference last November. 

Criss Cross had to stage a strong close-out in Set 1 with Alche Gupiteo sparking the King Crunchers as they secured the extended frame before taking Set 2 convincingly behind Noel Kampton abd Jude Garcia. 

Savouge, however, refused to go home just yet with Louie Ramirez catching fire as the former NCAA MVP out of Perpetual broke a 24-all deadlock before giving the Spin Doctors a 27-26 cushion. Garcia then overcooked his next attack that allowed Savouge to force a Set 4 and live to fight another day. 

The Spin Doctors then continued to make life difficult for Criss Cross with setter Michael Imperial unleashing two unlikely one-two attacks that gave his side a crucial 16-14 lead. Criss Cross, though, regained a 19-18 lead when Garcia unloaded a cross-court opposite kill. 

Savouge would be able to force another 23-all deadlock after Ramirez used the hands of Adi Villados to complete a power hammer from the left side. 

National team standout and veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga then provided the finishing blow, burying a running bullet before denying Ramirez from the left wing to deliver Criss Cross' second overall title. 

—JKC, GMA News