Spikers’ Turf: Redemption for Kampton as Criss Cross stuns Savouge in thriller

Noel Kampton of Criss Cross in action against Savouge in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, October 21, 2026 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. PVL Media

MANILA — Criss Cross claimed its second victory of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference in nail-biting fashion on Wednesday, erasing a two-set deficit against Savouge at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Noel Kampton went from hero to zero and then hero anew in the King Crunchers’ 22-25, 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, 16-14 triumph over the Spin Doctors that kept them undefeated in the tournament. 

His crosscourt hit put the King Crunchers at match point, 14-12, but Hero Austria responded to keep the Spin Doctors alive. Kampton then fired another blistering kill that appeared to wrap up the match, sending the Criss Cross fans into celebration.

Their rapture was short-lived, however, as Savouge challenged the play for a possible centerline violation. The review showed that Kampton had indeed committed the infraction, putting the final set at 14-all.

Kampton was quick to make amends, connecting on a down-the-line hit that put Criss Cross on the brink of victory anew. This time, they made sure to get the job done as Lloyd Josafat turned back JP Bugaoan’s attack to seal the King Crunchers’ reverse sweep.

The 26-year-old winger let his emotions spill over once more after Josafat’s game-winning block, unleashing another emphatic celebration that drew the ire of some Savouge players. Kampton later apologized.

“First of all, props to Savouge kasi first and second set, nag-struggle kami kasi ang ganda ng serve nila eh. Napagaralan talaga kami ng Savouge. Emotions lang talaga ng fifth set ‘yun. Pasensya na po ulit,” said Kampton, who had 15 points in the two-hour, three-minute affair.

Jude Garcia unloaded 25 points on 21 attacks, three aces, and one block as Criss Cross improved to 2-0, joining Far Eastern University-DN Steel and ClearSkiiin in a three-way tie atop the standings.

Noel Kampton and Jude Garcia of Criss Cross celebrate a point against Savouge in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, October 21, 2026 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. PVL MediaNewcomers Amil Pacinio and Ariel Cacao, who both started in the final three sets, also stepped up in the hard-fought victory. Pacinio finished with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Cacao dished out 22 excellent sets to go with three points.

Criss Cross will next take on Alpha Insurance on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the same venue, aiming to extend its winning streak to three games.

Meanwhile, the revamped Spin Doctors have endured a rough start to the Invitational Conference, dropping their first two games to fall to 0-2.

Mark Calado unleashed 27 points on 25 attacks, one ace, and one block in a losing effort, while Louie Ramirez added 20 points.

Cian Silang dished out 30 excellent sets to go with five excellent receptions, while Vince Lorenzo collected 27 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

Savouge will look to secure its first win when it takes on 3B on Sunday at 1 p.m.