Mark Calado delivered a sensational 30-point performance to lead Savouge past VNS-Laticrete, 21-25, 25-15, 26-24, 25-22, inching them closer to securing their second consecutive bronze finish in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Despite a rocky first set, where they fell victim to costly errors, the Spin Doctors quickly regrouped.
Calado’s explosive attacks — combined with strong performances from Giles Torres and Hero Austria — powered Savouge to a crucial victory at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday.
The match was a true test of resilience for Savouge, as they had to overcome a slow start and a determined VNS team.
VNS fought hard to force a deciding fifth set, tying the score at 20 after Jayvee Sumagaysay blocked Charlee Magpayo, and a late back-row attack violation was called on Calado.
However, Austria stepped up in place of Shawie Caritativo, delivering back-to-back points, followed by Renzel Antonio’s block on KC Culabat to complete a 3-0 run that gave the Spin Doctors a 23-20 lead.
Bryan Jaleco briefly halted the momentum with a point off the block, but Torres responded with a quick attack, bringing his team to match point. Rash Nursiddik’s slide attack saved one set point for the Griffins, but Austria sealed the victory with a cross-court hit, completing the match after an hour and 44 minutes of play.
Savouge started with a different lineup in the opener but struggled, prompting head coach Sydney Calderon to return to her usual starters. This change sparked a dominant second-set win and a hard-fought victory in the extended third set.
“Pa lagi long nire-remind sa team, the errors pwede siyang i-control. Kanina kasi talaga natalo kami nung first set having 10 errors ata or nine. So ‘yun ‘yung nagpapatalo sa amin,” said Calderon, whose team committed a total of 27 errors in the win.
“Nung pag-second set, four errors lang. So grabeng adjustment ‘yung ginagawa ng team ko. Errors lang talaga. With the skills naman sa team overall, maganda naman ang laro nila,” she added.
Antonio chipped in eight points, while Austria finished with seven points off the bench for the Spin Doctors. JC Enarciso set up 15 excellent sets, and Rikko Marmeto tallied 15 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
Savouge will look to close out the series in Game 2 on Friday at 3:30 PM at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Jaleco led VNS with 15 points, including 12 attacks and three kill blocks, while CJ Segui added 14 points, along with 13 excellent receptions.
Culabat contributed 11 points, eight excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
