Kindai University leaned on the trio of Ryutaro Aun, Haruka Misugi, and Yoshiki Yasuda to overcome Savouge Aesthetics, 25-16, 26-28, 25-20, 25-18, and secure a spot in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference championship match on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Japanese guest team bounced back from its first tournament loss last Tuesday against Cignal, finishing the semifinals with a 4-1 record.
Kindai U will face Criss Cross in the championship game on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
The King Crunchers dropped only one match in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Black Mamba, and Arena Plus—falling to Kindai U, 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-22, last Saturday.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“We’re really happy to be in the championship game. Savouge was really strong, I felt like they really want to win this so I reminded my players to keep their hearts stronger,” said KDU head coach Hideyuki Mitsuyama through an interpreter.
Trailing by just two points late in the fourth frame, 19-17, Misugi and Aun combined for five unanswered points to reach match point.
Although Shawie Caritativo managed to respond with a through-the-block hit, Yasuda closed the match with a spike from the pipe, making Kindai U the first guest team to reach the Spikers’ Turf championship stage.
Aun led all scorers with 23 points, followed closely by Misugi with 22 points on 19 spikes, two blocks, and an ace.
Yasuda contributed a well-rounded performance of 18 points, 17 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Savouge will aim to stay on the podium when it faces Cignal in the bronze medal match on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Mark Calado led the Spin Doctors with 23 points, while Caritativo added 14 points, including six blocks, along with 27-of-34 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Reymark Betco contributed nine points, while high-scoring middle blocker Giles Torres was limited to three points.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Matches will also be streamed via spikersturf.ph.
