Savouge secured the third ticket to the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals after dispatching Alpha Insurance in straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-21, on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Spin Doctors, fresh off a heartbreaking five-set defeat to the Cignal HD Spikers, bounced back impressively to improve to a 5-3 record, claiming solo third in the standings.
With Savouge’s win, only one semifinal spot remains up for grabs in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
That final berth will be contested by Alpha Insurance, VNS-Laticrete, and PGJC-Navy.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“’Yun ‘yung pinapractice namin ngayon na attitude, ‘yung fighting till the end. Sabi ko sa kanila let go of our last game sa Cignal, we did our best,” said head coach Sydney Calderon as Savouge clinched their second straight semifinal appearance.
“Today hindi sila aware na pasok na kami sa semis kasi ayaw ko sabihin sa kanila. Maglaro lang kami at tapusin ‘yung round 2 na maganda ‘yung result, and happy ako nag-work out.”
Alpha Insurance kept the third set tight at 18-all, but Savouge responded with the finishing touch they lacked in their previous outing against Cignal, delivering a decisive closing run.
Shawie Caritativo, Angelo Reyes, Mark Calado, Madz Gampong, and JD Diwa all contributed to the Spin Doctors’ 7-3 closing spurt, sealing the win in just 77 minutes.
Calado led all scorers with 15 points, adding seven excellent receptions to his stat line. Gampong followed with 13 points and seven digs, while Caritativo showcased his all-around skills with 10 points, 16 excellent receptions, and five digs.
“Kita niyo naman si Calado at Gampong, ang ganda ng improvement sa receive, sa depensa, so nagji-jell na talaga sila. We are so ready for the semifinals,” added Calderon.
Savouge will face fellow semifinalist Criss Cross on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance fell to a 2-6 record, still in solo fourth but poised to share that position with the winner of the VNS-Laticrete and PGJC-Navy match later in the day.
Vince Nadera once again led Alpha Insurance with 14 points and five digs, while JJ Javelona followed with seven points.
The Protectors will look to keep their semifinal hopes alive when they battle the VNS-Laticrete Griffins on Sunday.
