Reymark Betco made a sensational debut as Savouge bounced back from an opening-day loss, overcoming a third-set stumble to dispatch debuting Far Eastern University-DN Steel in four sets, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
The high-flying outside hitter, who sat out Savouge’s first game as a reserve, erupted for 21 points — all from attacks — to lead the Spin Doctors to their first victory of the tournament organized by Sports Vision, improving to a 1-1 record.
“Malaking bagay na talagang na-add sa’min si [Reymark] Betco kasi napaka-power na addition sa team namin. Gusto niyang maglaro nung first game, kaso marami kaming games this week. Sabi ko gagamitin kita sa FEU,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
After falling short in the third set despite holding a 23-22 lead, Savouge regrouped in the fourth frame and took control down the stretch. Betco spearheaded a crucial 3-0 rally that widened a slim 20-19 edge to 23-19, giving the Spin Doctors breathing room.
Charles Absin momentarily stopped the bleeding for FEU-DN Steel with a kill, but Charlee Magpayo quickly answered with a quick hit to bring Savouge to match point.
Mark Calado’s back-row attempt then hit the net, allowing FEU to save a point before Shawie Caritativo hammered down a floating ball to seal the victory after an hour and 45 minutes of action.
“Yesterday talagang nag-training kami, kinundisyon namin ‘yung mga bata na sabi ko, ‘yung pagkatalo namin nung first game, it doesn’t define who we are. Sabi ko sa kanila mas maganda ‘yung comeback game,” added Calderon.
Calado backed up Betco with 15 points built on 13 attacks, one block, and one ace. Setter JM Paglaon, who also returned to the lineup after missing the opener, steered Savouge’s offense with 29 excellent sets and two points.
His performance helped the team counter FEU’s imposing 13-kill-block defense.
Caritativo chipped in 10 points along with 20 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs, while Giles Torres also added 10 points. Rikko Marmetto anchored the floor defense with 17 receptions and eight digs.
Savouge will aim to build on this win when it faces the University of Santo Tomas on Friday at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
On the other side, Dryx Saavedra led FEU-DN Steel with 19 points, while Christian Paul Salboro and Lirick Mendoza added 13 each in the loss.
FEU-DN Steel will try to bounce back against PGJC-Navy also on Friday at 2:00 PM.
All matches are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand access via the Pilipinas Live app. Games are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
