By: Christian David Ruiz
In its second conference at the Spikers’ Turf, Savouge made the podium, overcoming a second-set setback against FEU-DN Steel with a 25-21, 16-25, 25-14, 25-17 victory to clinch the bronze medal in the Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Philippine Sports Arena.
It was a sweet victory that felt like gold for the Spin Doctors, who had finished in fifth place during the Open Conference six months earlier.
“Sabi namin kung walang naniniwala kay Savouge, sino pang maniniwala? So sarili lang din namin. Iki-claim namin or ima-manifest namin na papasok kami sa semifinals at mag-podium, which is yun lang yung goal ng lahat,” said Savouge head coach and team owner Sydney Calderon.
“Kung walang naniniwala sa amin, papaniwalaan namin yung sarili namin na kaya namin.”
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Having already faced the Ultras twice this conference – first, a five-set win for FEU-DN Steel, and then a sweep in the semifinals in favor of Savouge – the Spin Doctors were ready for a fightback.
The Spin Doctors established an eight-point advantage in the fourth set, 19-11, after back-to-back attacks from John Diwa and Sherwin Caritativo to put away FEU.
The Ultras never recovered as Lorenz Senoron and Diwa put on the finishing touches to clinch the win after an hour and 46 minutes of play.
“Sabi ko nalang sa kanila, one set closer na lang kami to get that bronze medal. Sabi ko wag madaliin manalo, kailangan maghinay-hinay, mahaba pang pasensya,” said Calderon.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, saka na tayo mag-isip na nanalo na tayo pag naka-25 points in three sets na tayo.”
It was a tight game in the first set, but Savouge prevailed with their potent attacks. However, the Ultras found their groove in the second set, dominating the net.
Momentum returned to the Spin Doctors in the following frame as they regained their attacking prowess.
Sherwin Caritativo led the Spin Doctors with 14 points, built on 10 attacks and four blocks.
Giles Torres and Neil De Pedro chipped in 12 points apiece, with De Pedro also picking up five digs.
John Lorenz Senoron added 10 points, while John Michael Paglaon dished out 19 excellent sets.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Still, it was a gallant stand by the Ultras, who had been playing nonstop since July.
FEU-DN Steel qualified for the Invitational Conference after winning the V-League Collegiate Challenge. The Ultras went 7-2 in the elimination round but could only muster one win in the second round.
Reigning V-League MVP Dryx Saavedra led FEU-DN Steel with 16 points, while Lirick Mendoza also contributed 16.
Errors doomed FEU, which is preparing for the upcoming UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, as they tallied 26 errors compared to just 13 for Savouge.
