John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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ST 2026 Criss Cross vs. Savouge - -5924

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773413471445ST 2026 Criss Cross vs. Savouge - -5924.JPG" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Photo from PVL Media Bureau</div>MANILA — Criss Cross beat Savouge to claim the first semifinals berth in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday.The King Crunchers nailed a four-set 25-21, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19 victory over the very team seen as capable of challenging them for the title for the second straight time.They remained unbeaten, while Savouge absorbed its second loss against four wins, still holding second place but once again left searching for answers to solve Criss Cross’ puzzle.The third-set loss marked only the second time Criss Cross has dropped a frame in seven matches, the first coming at the hands of 3B last week.They face the AEP-Cabstars on Wednesday, clash with the VNS Griffins on March 20, and then take on the 3B Event Masters on March 27.“After namin matalo sa third set, pinagusapan lang namin na bumalik kami sa first set. Start ulit nang maayos, start strong, at happy happy sa loob ng court,” said Criss Cross middle blocker Lloyd Josafat, who put the emphasis on blocks with nine to finish with 19 points, including 10 on attacks. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/3/13/spikers-turf-aep-fends-off-vns-to-gain-share-of-3rd-1611">READ: Spikers&#x27; Turf: AEP fends off VNS to gain share of 3rd</a></div>“Yung last three games namin sa eliminations, preparation din namin siya papuntang semis so todo bigay pa rin, all out pa rin sa every game,” he added, referring to their remaining games of the preliminaries.Determined to extend the match, the Spin Doctors rallied in the third set behind the combined efforts of Shawie Caritativo, Dan Nicolas, JP Bugaoan and Mark Calado. However, the King Crunchers showcased their championship composure.Alche Gupiteo continued to prove his worth while four-time league MVP Jude Garcia unleashed his fury to lead Criss Cross to victory.Josafat also played a key role in the fourth set as the King Crunchers fended off the Spin Doctors’ fightback. Garcia also delivered 19 points and seven digs while Gupiteo poured in 14 points and 20-of-28 excellent receptions.2025 Invitational Finals MVP Adrian Villados sizzled with 39 excellent sets while also scoring a point in the high-octane matchup that lived up to the hype.Calado, despite sitting out the second frame, still topscored for Savouge with 16 points while Bugaoan added 13 points.Caritativo also came through with nine points and 17 excellent receptions.Savouge will seek to regain its winning ways against 3B at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Criss Cross beat Savouge to claim the first semifinals berth in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday. #SpikersTurf

Criss Cross beat Savouge to claim the first semifinals berth in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday. #SpikersTurf

Spikers' Turf: Criss Cross books semis spot by reasserting might over Savouge

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Spikers' Turf: Criss Cross books semis spot by reasserting might over Savouge

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 13, 2026 11:02 PM PHT

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men's volleyball

Spikers’ Turf Open Conference

Criss Cross King Crunchers

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