For two years, Savouge has carried the weight of frustration, watching victory slip away at the hands of their nemesis, Criss Cross.
But on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre, that narrative finally changed—thanks largely to the heart and hustle of Shawie Caritativo.
With the Spin Doctors trailing two sets to one, Caritativo, a founding member of the team, injected energy and resolve that galvanized his squad.
His impact was immediate and decisive, helping Savouge claw back in a thrilling five-set duel, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13, to finally topple the King Crunchers and end a punishing nine-game losing streak.
“‘Yung tumatakbo sa isip ko, puso lang talaga,” Caritativo said, emotions raw after the match. The veteran’s words captured years of perseverance against a team that had dominated them for seasons.
Coach Sydney Calderon credited Caritativo and teammate Hero Austria for energizing the squad at a critical moment.
“Meron kasi akong serious na lineup, meron din akong pambuhay talaga ng team… pinasok ko na sila Shawie, pinasok ko na sila [Hero],” Calderon said.
Their injection of vitality and positivity proved pivotal in the final set, where every point mattered.
The fifth set became a tense back-and-forth, with Savouge and Criss Cross trading blows in a high-stakes showdown. Caritativo and Austria combined for six crucial points, sustaining the team’s momentum until the Spin Doctors finally secured the victory. Caritativo’s 12 points off the bench earned him Player of the Game honors.
“Sa labas pa lang nagpapainit na ako eh, para makatulong ako sa loob ng court… nagtiwala sila sa’kin, at nagtuloy-tuloy naman,” he said, reflecting on his role in lifting the team.
The win was more than just a morale boost. It ended Criss Cross’ 14-game winning streak and brought Savouge a step closer to their first finals appearance since entering the league in 2024. The victory was also a testament to months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork.
“Sobrang saya namin kasi nakaisa kami sa Criss Cross… pinaghandaan namin ‘tong game. Nakaka-overwhelm kasi ang ganda ng laban, pang-championship talaga,” Caritativo said.
“Momentum kasi namin, dadalin namin ‘yung momentum hanggang sa next game namin para makuha namin ‘yung Finals.”
