Savouge Aesthetics withstood a tough challenge from Maverick, taking a 25-23, 25-13, 25-21 to boost its semifinals hopes in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, Sunday.
The Spin Doctors gained their third straight win for a 4-3 record, still at fifth but are just half a game behind fourth-running D’Navigators at 4-2.
But it would be a tall task for Savouge as it will be facing the fancied Criss Cross on Friday at 6 p.m., still at the same Pasig venue.
“Happy pero hindi ako satisfied pa kasi there are some errors na ginagawa nila na nagbibigay puntos sa kalaban. Kailangan matrain pa namin sila sa ganong style na hangga’t maaarin sigurista sila hindi sila magbibigay ng puntos sa kalaban,” said Savouge head coach Sammy Acaylar on their win.
After a dominant second set for the Spin Doctors, the Hard Hitters regrouped to stay within striking distance throughout the third set, inching just within one late, 20-21.
However, Maverick shot itself in the foot with back-to-back errors, while Al-Nasim Amilbahar and Sherwin Caritativo delivered the final blows with a crosscourt kill and a service ace, securing the one-hour and 24-minute win for Savouge.
Lorenz Señoron led the way for the Spin Doctors with 13 points from 11 attacks, an ace, and a block, while Noy Pedrosa contributed 10 points and nine digs.
Razzel Palisoc and Kim Tan paced the Hard Hitters with nine points each, the latter also recording nine excellent receptions.
The Hard Hitters fell to 1-5 and will face Cignal next on Friday as well.