Mark Calado erupted for 28 points as Savouge stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the fourth set to secure a 24-26, 25-14, 25-19, 28-26 victory over VNS-Laticrete, ending their two-game skid in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals on Sunday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Fueled by Calado’s dominant performance — 25 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 10 excellent receptions — the Spin Doctors not only claimed their first semifinals win but also built momentum heading into their best-of-three bronze medal showdown against the Griffins on Wednesday.
Adding to Savouge’s confidence is their perfect record against VNS-Laticrete in the conference, having won all three meetings.
“‘Yon yung importante. Sabi ko sa team na today, dapat maramdaman nila yung court at yung bola kasi pagdating ng [Wednesday], tulungan. It’s gonna be teamwork — kahit sino ipasok, dapat ready at dapat gumagawa ng puntos,” said Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon.
The Griffins looked poised to extend the match, with CJ Segui, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Kenneth Culabat, and RK Medino leading them to a commanding 12-4 lead in the fourth frame. But Savouge showed resilience, leaning on timely contributions from Madz Gampong, Sherwin Caritativo, and Calado to level the set at 21-all.
VNS-Laticrete came within striking distance of forcing a decisive fifth set, holding a 24-21 lead after a Caritativo service error, a Segui down-the-line attack, and a Medino through-the-block hit.
However, Savouge responded with four straight points — courtesy of a Renzel Antonio down-the-line attack, a Calado crosscourt kill, a Medino attack error, and another Calado down-the-line hit — to reach match point at 25-24.
Segui and the Griffins fought back, reclaiming set point at 26-25, but Antonio’s crosscourt kill and two consecutive off-the-block hits from Calado sealed the victory.
Savouge earns their first semifinals win in the Open Conference supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
“Sa fourth set, alam ko na makakahabol kami kasi prina-practice talaga ‘yan ng team at tiwala lang talaga. As much as possible kasi today, binigyan ko sila ng playing time lahat. So far, happy ako sa pinakita namin today, at nalagpasan namin yung challenges,” Calderon added.
In his first full start, Antonio delivered 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Gampong, Caritativo, and Giles Torres chipped in seven points each.
John Paglaon orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets, while Bhim Diones anchored the defense with 10 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, VNS-Laticrete remained winless in three semifinals outings, extending their losing streak to four games, dating back to a straight-sets loss to Savouge on March 19.
Segui led the Griffins with 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while also contributing 16 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs. Medino followed with 14 points on 13 attacks.
Setter Jan Mangulabnan tallied 20 excellent sets and added two points in the losing effort.
