Savouge gained crucial momentum in its quest for a breakthrough podium finish in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, sweeping the very team it will face for the bronze medal match on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Philsports Arena.
The Spin Doctors overcame shaky moments in the opening frame, dominating the Ultras with a 14-6 edge in attacks. They pulled away midway in the second set and held firm down the stretch before racing to a 12-8 lead in the third set. Maintaining their composure, they cruised to a decisive 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 victory in one hour and 30 minutes.
While the match was technically non-bearing, the result carried significant weight for Savouge. The win boosted the Spin Doctors’ confidence and preserved their momentum as they prepare for Sunday’s one-game clash for the bronze medal at 4 p.m.
“Siguro bumawi lang kami siguro sa last encounter namin nung elimination round pero sabi ko nga, ano man ang maging results ibigay lang nila kung ano yung pinagensayuhan namin which is happy ako kasi lumabas naman siya today. Alam ko ‘yung FEU babawi yan this coming Sunday,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
The showdown will serve as a prelude to the much-anticipated gold medal duel between Criss Cross and Cignal at 6 p.m., also at the Pasig venue.
The King Crunchers secured the top spot after an epic four-set victory over the HD Spikers last week, gaining a sense of redemption after being swept by their rivals in the Open Conference finals last May.
Savouge concluded the five-team semifinals with a 2-2 record, while DN Steel FEU, after a promising start to the season-ending conference, finished at 1-3.
Despite the setback, the Ultras are expected to raise their game in the medal match, setting the stage for an intense showdown between two determined squads.
In the third set, the Ultras managed to tie the score at 12, but the Spin Doctors responded with four consecutive points to regain control, a lead they never relinquished.
Savouge hiked its lead to 22-18 following DN Steel FEU’s unsuccessful challenge, capitalizing further on a passing error by the Ultras to widen the gap to five points. The momentum shifted decisively when a backrow attack error by Amet Bituin handed the Spin Doctors a match point.
Though Benny Martinez briefly staved off defeat with a clever 1-2 play, Savouge team captain Hero Austria sealed the victory in style. Austria delivered a powerful two-handed push from the backrow, clinching the win and ensuring the Spin Doctors’ dominance in the match.
Shawie Caritativo once again spearheaded Savouge’s attack with his powerful spikes, adding flair with his signature walk-off celebration. He finished with 11 points, while Louis Gamban and Giles Torres also delivered strong performances, contributing eight and seven markers to the victory.
Dryx Saavedra once again paced the Ultras with 10 points, while Charles Absin added eight of his own.
