Coming off a narrow five-set loss to Criss Cross, Savouge vented its frustrations on VNS-Laticrete, scoring a straight-set victory, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23, to close the first round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on a high note, Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Spin Doctors relied on their sharp attacks and steady floor defense to dominate the Griffins in the first two sets, before benefiting from crucial errors by the opposing side in a tight third frame.
The team keeps its hold on the number three spot with a 3-2 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Di pa rin nawawala ‘yung sa end game namin na alam naming lamang kami, tapos nagiging complacent talaga ‘yung mga players. ‘Yun lang ‘yung gusto ko talagang mabago,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
CJ Segui tried to will VNS back into the game with back-to-back conversions, which locked the scores at 22-all. However, Jan Mangulabnan committed a crucial error before Segui’s attack sailed out to put the Spin Doctors at match point, 24-22.
Charlee Magpayo committed a service error on the other end, saving a point for the Griffins, before John Diwa sneaked in for a quick attack that gave Savouge its third win in the tournament, which is also supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
“Good thing is meron pang round two so kailangan talaga maalis namin ‘yun. We will really work hard on it sa training,” added Calderon.
Mark Calado top scored for the Spin Doctors with 18 points on 16-of-30 attacks to go along with two blocks. Meanwhile, Sherwin Caritativo had an all-around showing of 11 points, 10 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs.
John Diwa chipped in 11 markers as well, including five kill blocks, while Giles Torres recorded three kill blocks to finish with 10 markers.
Madz Gampong made his debut for Savouge and had seven points.
John Kenneth Hernandez took care of the offense with 15 excellent sets, while Rikko Marmeto had 10 excellent digs in the one-hour, 18-minute contest.
The Spin Doctors, who now head into the second round with enough momentum, aim to make it two wins in a row versus PGJC-Navy on Sunday, 6:00 PM, at the Ynares Sports Arena.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
On the other hand, VNS was sent crashing back to the ground, suffering its fourth loss to drop to a 1-4 record just days after securing its first win of the tourney at the expense of Alpha Insurance.
Segui paced the Griffins with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks to go along with 14 excellent receptions, while KC Culabat added nine markers, 14 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs.
VNS takes on defending champion Cignal also on Sunday, 3:30 PM, in hopes of getting back to the win column.
