With their backs against the wall after back-to-back defeats, Savouge found the response it desperately needed, sweeping 3B, 25-18, 25-22, 25-20, to claim their first win in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Coming off losses to Alpha Insurance and defending champion Criss Cross, the Spin Doctors showed greater composure and determination against the Event Masters, putting their early struggles behind them to improve to a 1-2 record.
“First, ‘yung naging mindset talaga namin today, wala talaga kaming choice. We really have to win to stay in the competition,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
“In fairness naman sa mga players, nakita ko talaga ‘yung effort nila kahit sobrang stiff ng mga galaw nila during the first set. Kasi nga parang kinakabahan, may pressure na maipanalo. Pero sabi ko sa kanila, just relax lang. And yeah, nakita ko naman na nag-perform lahat, so sobrang happy ako,” he added.
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The Spin Doctors leaned on a balanced offensive attack and solid floor defense throughout the one-hour, 21-minute contest, with contributions from across the lineup helping them keep 3B at bay.
Setter Vince Imperial orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets off the bench, helping Savouge find its rhythm and sustain its attack en route to the straight-sets victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Joeven Dela Vega led the Spin Doctors with 10 points on nine attacks and one block. Jared Schanke and Mark Calado, meanwhile, chipped in nine points apiece. Martin Bugaoan added seven points, then JP Bugaoan and Giles Torres contributed six and five points, respectively.
On the defensive end, Rikko Marmeto delivered 24 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs to help stabilize Savouge’s backcourt.
The Spin Doctors held a commanding 45-35 advantage in attacks, making the most of their offensive opportunities while limiting 3B to just 35 attack points. Savouge also dominated from the service line, firing four aces while holding the Event Masters scoreless in that department.
Savouge will return to action on November 4 against Far Eastern University-DN Steel at the same venue. The team will look to build on its breakthrough victory and string together consecutive wins as it climbs the standings.
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Meanwhile, 3B slipped to a 1-2 record following its loss, having come off a four-set victory over the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Harry Ocay led the Event Masters with an all-around performance of 11 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Carl Berdal also scored 11 points and added six excellent digs.
3B will look to bounce back when it takes on VNS-Laticrete on November 4.
