Savouge had to dig deep to preserve its winning streak, overcoming a gritty eight-man Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) side, 25-22, 25-17, 32-34, 25-23, for its fourth consecutive victory in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
The Spin Doctors appeared headed for a quick sweep after dominating the opening two sets, but the Cavaliers refused to go down quietly, with outside hitters Pol Salvador and Alfred Pagulong leading a spirited third-set fightback to force another frame with a 34-32 victory.
AFP carried that momentum into the fourth, pushing Savouge to the brink before Vincent Montalban denied the Spin Doctors’ first match point with a block on Wendel Miguel to keep the Cavaliers within striking distance at 24-23.
But Savouge found the finishing touch it needed, as JP Bugaoan delivered a match-winning quick attack that pierced through the AFP blockers to seal the two-hour-and-one-minute victory.
Despite extending their winning streak, head coach Sydney Calderon was far from pleased with his team’s performance, acknowledging the Cavaliers’ resilience and the fatigue that had caught up with his players.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Sinabi ko naman na sa players prior ‘yung game namin today na AFP is AFP, alam ko talagang lalaban sila no matter what. Nakita na namin ‘yan against Clearskiiin, they dragged them to five sets so expected ko na talaga ‘yan,” said Calderon.
“Siguro fatigue na rin ng players namin kasi parang one day lang ang pahinga namin then laro na naman ulit. Nung game namin against FEU, halos wala rin kaming pahinga no’n, so definitely sobrang pagod na rin talaga. Nakita niyo naman kanina, halos lahat ipinasok ko, ‘yung mga second unit, ‘yung usual starters ko pinahinga ko kasi may game this Sunday ulit against NU-Archipelago Builders.”
Mark Calado spearheaded Savouge with 26 points and seven digs, while Giles Torres chipped in 14 points on nine attacks and five blocks as Calderon shuffled his lineup throughout the match.
Louie Ramirez contributed 10 points in two sets, while Hero Austria added seven points and 19 excellent receptions on 24 attempts, also seeing action in two sets.
The Spin Doctors opted to rest heavy hitters Jared Schnake and Joeven Dela Vega, as well as setter JC Enarciso, for the match.
AFP, meanwhile, was also without leading scorer Ranran Abdilla, along with James Buytrago, Jessie Lopez, Nico Ramirez, and Joshua Barrica.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Salvador carried much of the offensive load for the Cavaliers with 24 points, while Pagulong delivered an all-around performance of 20 points, 18 receptions, and six digs.
Natural libero Erl Eusebio took on setting duties and finished with 14 excellent sets and five points.
Savouge will look to extend its winning streak on Sunday when it takes on National University-Archipelago Builders at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
AFP, meanwhile, will wrap up its campaign on Thursday against Far Eastern University-DN Steel at the Big Dome.
