Savouge gained critical momentum in its quest for a breakthrough podium finish in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, sweeping the same team it will face in the bronze medal match on Friday at the Philsports Arena.
The Spin Doctors overcame a shaky start in the opening frame, dominating the Ultras with a commanding 14-6 edge in attacks. They pulled away midway through the second set, held firm down the stretch, and raced to a 12-8 lead in the third set.
Maintaining their composure, Savouge cruised to a decisive 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 victory in just one hour and 30 minutes.
While the match was technically non-bearing, the outcome was significant for Savouge.
The win bolstered the Spin Doctors’ confidence and preserved their momentum heading into Sunday’s one-game battle for the bronze medal at 4 p.m.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Siguro bumawi lang kami siguro sa last encounter namin nung elimination round pero sabi ko nga, ano man ang maging results ibigay lang nila kung ano yung pinagensayuhan namin which is happy ako kasi lumabas naman siya today. Alam ko ‘yung FEU babawi yan this coming Sunday,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
The bronze medal clash will serve as a prelude to the much-anticipated gold medal match between Criss Cross and Cignal, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the same Pasig venue.
The King Crunchers secured the top seed with an epic four-set victory over the HD Spikers last week, exacting some revenge after being swept by their rivals in the Open Conference finals last May.
Savouge concluded the five-team semifinals with a 2-2 record, while DN Steel FEU, despite a promising start to the season-ending conference, finished at 1-3.
The Ultras, however, are expected to elevate their game in the medal match, setting the stage for an intense showdown between two determined squads.
In the third set of the match, the Ultras managed to tie the score at 12, but the Spin Doctors responded with a decisive 4-0 run to regain control—a lead they never relinquished.
Savouge extended its advantage to 22-18 following DN Steel FEU’s unsuccessful challenge.
A passing error by the Ultras widened the gap to five points, and a backrow attack error by Amet Bituin handed the Spin Doctors match point.
Though Benny Martinez temporarily staved off defeat with a clever 1-2 play, Savouge team captain Hero Austria sealed the win in style. Austria delivered a powerful two-handed push from the backrow, clinching the victory and showcasing the Spin Doctors’ dominance.
Shawie Caritativo once again led Savouge’s attack, thrilling the crowd with his powerful spikes and signature walk-off celebrations.
He finished with 11 points, while Louis Gamban and Giles Torres contributed eight and seven markers, respectively.
Dryx Saavedra paced the Ultras with 10 points, while Charles Absin chipped in with eight, as DN Steel FEU aims for redemption in the bronze medal match.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
