Savouge held off a resilient challenge from debuting Japanese guest team KondohGumi, finishing with a 25-16, 25-19, 34-32 sweep to enter the win column of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Spin Doctors bounced back from their opening semifinal loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, securing a dominant win in 88 minutes to level their record at 1-1.
However, despite the victory, Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon expressed frustration with his team’s complacency.
“Actually, lumalabas na naman ‘yung ugali ng team ko na masyadong complacent kapag lamang. Akala nila tapos na pero hindi pa naman 25. Sabi ko kanina sa last timeout, ginusto niyo yan kailangan niyo yan habulin,” said Calderon, who is also the team owner.
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KondohGumi reached set point first in the third set at 24-22, but a pair of errors extended the frame.
What followed was a thrilling back-and-forth exchange, with key hits from Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, JD Diwa, and Hero Austria for Savouge, while Seishiro Nakata, Kaito Onomichi, and Ryouma Kakimoto led the charge for KondohGumi.
With Hyogo at set point, 32-31, Caritativo delivered a through-the-block hit, followed by Torres’ crucial block on Takaya Akamatu to give Savouge a 33-32 match point.
Nakata’s attack then failed to cross the net, sealing the win for the Spin Doctors.
Torres was the standout for Savouge, finishing with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks.
Caritativo added 13 points in just two sets, along with nine excellent receptions, while Renzel Antonio chipped in 11 points.
Next for Savouge is a showdown with Criss Cross on Wednesday, still at the San Juan Arena.
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Onomichi led KondohGumi with 15 points, eight excellent receptions, and four digs.
KondohGumi, composed of university players from Hyogo, will next face Philippine collegiate team FEU-DN Steel on Sunday, also at Filoil.
