Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Criss Cross, Savouge bounced back in dominant fashion, sweeping VNS-Laticrete, 25-19, 25-18, 25-22, to close the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference elimination round on a high note, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The third-seeded Spin Doctors pulled away late in the third set to complete the sweep and enter the semifinals with a 6-4 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
With VNS threatening to extend the match, Savouge capitalized on a string of Griffins’ errors, sparking a crucial 4-0 run that pushed the Spin Doctors ahead, 22-18.
Vince Imperial committed a service error that briefly halted Savouge’s momentum, but Mark Calado quickly restored control with a powerful hit off a combination play. Although Calado’s jump serve clipped the net, JD Diwa delivered a quick attack that brought Savouge to match point, 24-20.
Rash Nursiddik saved two match points to keep VNS alive, but Shawie Caritativo ended the rally with a powerful off-the-block attack to seal Savouge’s sixth win in the tournament supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
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“Nagbigay ako ng playing time sa iba kasi that will be an opportunity for me na inaassess ko sila para pagdating sa pitpitan na laro, ready na ang lahat,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, who utilized her bench throughout the match.
“Sabi ko lang sa team pagpasok namin sa semifinals, masyado kasi naming sineryoso ‘yung second round ng elims, good vibes na lang kami pagdating ng semifinals,” she added.
Calado led the charge with a game-high 18 points, all from attacks, along with 10 excellent receptions. Giles Torres contributed 11 points, including four of Savouge’s seven blocks, despite playing just two sets in the one-hour, 14-minute encounter.
JC Enarciso orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets, while Rikko Marmeto and Bhim Diones stood firm on defense with 14 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs, respectively.
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Despite the loss, VNS had already secured the fourth seed after Alpha Insurance fell in straight sets to defending champion Cignal earlier in the day, finishing the eliminations with a 3-7 record.
CJ Segui led VNS with 15 points built on 13 attacks, one ace, and one block, along with 18 excellent receptions. Nursiddik added 10 points off eight attacks and two blocks, while Bryan Jaleco and Jayvee Sumagaysay chipped in seven points each.
The round-robin semifinals will commence on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
