Spin Doctors Stay Alive, Sweep King Crunchers to Force Game 3

Savouge's squad lived to see another day.

The Spin Doctors relied on a well-rounded offensive performance to defeat the Criss Cross King Crunchers, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, in Game 2 of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals, evening the series and setting up a winner-take-all Game 3 this Sunday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

It was a strong comeback effort for the Spin Doctors, who had lost Game 1, 20-25, 28-26, 18-25, 20-25, just two days earlier.

Before the crucial Game 2, Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon asked his team if they wanted to extend their training for one more day and fight for a Game 3. The players responded enthusiastically, eager to keep competing.

“We just focused on adjusting our defensive strategies and blocking patterns,” Calderon explained. “We made these adjustments in less than 24 hours, and thankfully, the players were incredibly patient with the changes. I’m really proud of their effort.”

While Mark Calado led the team in Game 1, his teammates stepped up when their season was on the line in Game 2.

With a clear message—"not today"—they answered the call.

JC Enarciso, who had come off the bench in Game 1, made a big impact in a different role, providing 22 excellent sets and helping four players reach double figures in scoring. This was a significant improvement from Game 1, where only two players achieved double-digit points despite the match going into four sets.

With Criss Cross narrowing the gap to 15-17 in the third set, Savouge pulled away to secure the win in straight sets, with Calado taking charge in the final stretch. He scored four of the last eight points to seal the victory in just 1 hour and 24 minutes.

"This game wasn’t easy. Everyone worked hard—coaches, teammates, and I’m really thankful that we executed what we practiced yesterday,” said Calado, who finished with 15 points on 14-of-25 attacks and one block.

Alongside Calado, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, and Giles Torres contributed 10 points each. Shawie Caritativo provided crucial support with 7 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 6 digs.

Despite the King Crunchers winning the net battle with 12 blocks to Savouge’s 9, the Spin Doctors dominated in attacks (46-35) and committed fewer errors (13-20).

Four-time MVP Jude Garcia, who exploded for 26 points in Game 1, was held to just 10 points on 9-of-25 attacks. Alche Gupiteo, returning to the lineup, contributed 10 points, 11 receptions, and 6 digs, while Lloyd Josafat and Jaron Requinton added 9 points each.