Savouge emerged as the feel-good story of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, transforming from an underrated squad into a surprise semifinalist.
The Spin Doctors capped that tournament with their first-ever podium finish, claiming the bronze medal after defeating the DN-Steel FEU Tamaraws in the third-place battle.
Fast forward to Friday, and Savouge once again found itself in the spotlight. The Spin Doctors cruised past Alpha Insurance, 25-12, 25-21, 25-21, to secure their second consecutive semifinal appearance — this time in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
For head coach Sydney Calderon, this achievement sends a clear message: Savouge is the real deal.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“I just want to send a statement to other teams na don’t count us out. Nandito kami, and kapag bumigay sila, nandito ang Savouge ready anytime,” said Calderon.
“Ang goal talaga namin ngayon is mag-improve. Try namin makapasok ng Finals, hopefully mabigyan kami ng chance, and pagdating namin sa Finals, doon na namin gagawin lahat,” she added.
The Spin Doctors, now holding a 5-3 record, have only claimed victories against the three lower-ranked teams in the tournament. Despite this, Calderon found encouragement in her squad’s ability to push perennial contenders Cignal and Criss Cross to the limit.
Savouge held a 2-1 set lead over Criss Cross in the first round before eventually falling short, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23, 18-25, 7-15. The Spin Doctors repeated that narrative against Cignal in the second round, bowing in another five-setter, 25-27, 25-20, 30-28, 22-25, 13-15.
“Sabi ko sa team kasi namin kaya namin ‘yung Criss Cross at saka Cignal eh, kasi nadala namin sila hanggang fifth set. Yung closing lang talaga namin, yung dulo lang talaga, yung endgame lang talaga yung kulang namin,” said Calderon.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Savouge will face the King Crunchers on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, where Calderon hopes for a stronger finish.
The veteran mentor is also banking on the experience of newcomers Mark Calado and Madz Gampong to provide the killer instinct they’ve lacked against top-tier teams.
“Actually malaki rin ang contribution ni Madz saka ni Mark sa team namin kasi pagdating sa patibayan ng loob, pagdating sa mga ganitong laro, mas experienced sila sa mga ganito coming from a champion team like Cignal,” Calderon noted.
