Savouge secured its second consecutive bronze medal after overpowering VNS-Laticrete in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, at the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Friday, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
After a breakthrough campaign in last year’s Invitational Conference, the Spin Doctors narrowly missed out on another Finals appearance but managed to replicate their bronze finish, anchored by newcomers Mark Calado, Madz Gampong, and Shawie Caritativo.
“Masarap kahit nag-short yung goal namin for this [conference]. At least, we were able to defend yung bronze namin from last [conference],” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
A set away from clinching third place, the Spin Doctors unleashed a decisive 7-1 run, led by Shawie Caritativo and Renzel Antonio, to turn a 15-17 deficit into a 22-18 lead late in the third set. The young Griffins struggled to recover from the shift.
VNS managed to close the gap to two points after CJ Segui delivered a back-row hit, followed by a Titus Villacrusis block on Madz Gampong, making it 20-18.
However, that would be as close as the Griffins would get. Giles Torres, Mark Calado, and Gampong provided the finishing touches to seal the bronze after an hour and 19 minutes of play in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga players ko, maging grateful na lang kasi lahat naman, pinapangarap ng teams na makapasok sa semifinals. Yun yung naging mind-setting namin after the loss to Cignal. Kumbaga nakalimutan na yun ng players, bronze na yung kunin natin,” Calderon said.
Calado was the top scorer for Savouge with 14 points, including 10 attacks and four kill blocks, as well as 15 excellent receptions. Gampong contributed 10 points along with five excellent digs, while Torres added eight points.
Caritativo, who played only in the third set, scored six points, with three attacks and three blocks. John Michael Paglaon recorded 10 excellent sets, and Rikko Marmeto tallied eight excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
On the other hand, the Griffins finished their first-ever semifinal appearance since 2022 in fourth place.
Segui led VNS with a game-high 19 points, consisting of 18 attacks and one block. Bryan Jaleco added 10 points from seven attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace.
Jan Mangulabnan delivered 14 excellent sets, while JM Espanso contributed nine excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
