FEU DN-Steel remained undefeated in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, defeating Savouge in a thrilling five-set battle, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 16-14, on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The win marked their sixth consecutive victory and handed Savouge its first defeat of the tournament, ending the Spin Doctors’ four-game winning streak.
Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero kept the Ultras alive in the fifth set, but it was rookie Luis Miguel who delivered the decisive blows, securing the win for FEU and pushing their record to 6-0.
“Siguro ‘yung moment lang na kung sino lang ang may pinaka-gustuhang manalo, ‘yun ang makakakuha ng match. ‘Yun siguro ‘yun,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, who celebrated his birthday on game day.
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After dominating the first two sets, FEU seemed to lose momentum as Savouge battled back to win the third and fourth sets, forcing a decider.
With the score tied at 12-all, Sherwin Caritativo and Saavedra exchanged attacks, and Deanne De Pedro put Savouge on match point, 14-13, with a cross-court hit.
However, Mikko Espartero scored off the block, and Miguel followed up with back-to-back kills to give FEU the hard-fought, two-hour and 23-minute victory.
Saavedra led FEU with 25 points, including 22 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Mikko Espartero added 14 points.
Middle blockers Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Benny Martinez provided 25 excellent sets and two points, while Vennie Ceballos added 15 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
With this win, FEU strengthened its hold on the number one spot.
FEU will look to extend its winning streak against powerhouse Criss Cross on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
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Meanwhile, Savouge slid to 4-1 but remained in second place.
Giles Torres led the Spin Doctors with 17 points, while Caritativo had 13 points, along with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Louis Gamban and Deanne De Pedro, who played crucial roles in the comeback attempt, finished with nine and eight points, respectively.
Savouge will look to bounce back against PGJC-Navy on Friday at 4:00 PM at Ynares.
