Savouge Aesthetics bolstered its semifinals bid by eliminating PGJC-Navy in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, during the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
The Spin Doctors had to grind out a tight third set, surviving tense moments down the stretch to fend off the Sealions and improve their record to 4-2 — a crucial victory that strengthened their chances of securing a spot in the round-robin semifinals.
With the score tied at 22 late in the third set, Shawie Caritativo rose above PGJC-Navy’s blockers for a powerful cross-court hit, followed by Abdul Bangcola being called for an illegal block, giving Savouge a 24-22 lead.
Joeven Dela Vega responded with an off-the-block hit, but Raymark Betco delivered an attack initially ruled out. It was later overturned after a successful ball-touch challenge, sealing the win for the Spin Doctors.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Nag-adjust talaga kami sa rotation namin. Based sa stats, nakita namin ‘yung mga marami kaming errors and hindi kami makapatay agad na rotation. So ‘yun ‘yung wino-workout namin, so I’m very happy kung ano ‘yung nakita ko today,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
Mark Calado led the team with 13 points, adding eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Betco also had 13 points, all from the attack line, helping the Spin Doctors notch back-to-back wins in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Giles Torres and Angelo Reyes combined for five blocks, contributing nine points each. Caritativo added eight markers in a balanced offensive effort orchestrated by JM Paglao, who recorded 17 excellent sets.
Savouge will face defending champion Cignal in a crucial match on Friday at 5:00 PM at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, the Sealions bowed out of contention after suffering their fifth straight loss. Dela Vega was the lone bright spot for PGJC-Navy with 13 points, followed by Greg Dolor with seven markers.
The team will aim for its first win against Alpha Insurance on Friday at 3:00 PM.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
