Savouge turned a brief slip into a blazing response, shaking off a second-set setback with poise and purpose to overpower Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 20-25, 25-18, 25-16, for its second straight victory in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference prelims Sunday at the FilOil Playtime Centre.
Stung by a momentum shift in the second frame, the Spin Doctors regrouped with remarkable composure, tightening their defense and rediscovering the offensive rhythm that had propelled them to a strong opening-set win. The Protectors capitalized on Savouge’s reception lapses and disrupted first-ball execution in Set 2, drawing level that tested the Spin Doctors’ resolve.
But the response was immediate and emphatic.
Mark Calado and Louie Ramirez ignited the resurgence, spearheading a third-set breakaway with a potent mix of power hits and well-placed attacks that pierced through Alpha Insurance’s defensive schemes. With their wing spikers finding their mark and the middle rotation providing steady support, Savouge reasserted control early in the pivotal frame and never looked back.
Calado delivered 20 big points on 19 attacks and a block, thriving in his new role as an opposite spiker, while Ramirez added 16 points on 12 attacks, two aces, and two kill blocks, helping the Savouge stay unbeaten in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“For the team, nandun pa rin kami sa point na nangangapa pa rin. We’re still finding the right first six, so talagang pinasok ko lang ngayon ‘yung mga players ko kung sino ba talaga dapat,” said Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon.
“I think as early as now, nakikita namin kaagad kung anong adjustments ang gagawin namin moving forward for our remaining games this season,” added Calderon.
Savouge out-attacked the Protectors 58-43 and held a 4-1 edge in service, though they yielded the battle upfront, as Alpha Insurance came through with 13 blocks against the Spin Doctors’ six in the one-hour, 43-minute contest.
Shawie Caritativo also shone with a superb all-around game of 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, laced with six excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Joeven Dela Vega also made his Spin Doctors debut after sitting out the team’s win over 3B last Wednesday, finishing with two points off the bench.
Savouge will face VNS Always Bright Laticrete next on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the same venue, aiming to stretch its winning streak to three games.
Meanwhile, the Protectors, who toppled the AEP-Cabstars but bowed to the King Crunchers in three, fell to 1-2 in the standings in the tournament backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
Jau Umandal delivered his best performance for Alpha Insurance with 21 points, all from attacks, and added 10 excellent receptions, while JM Ronquillo finished with nine markers, and Edward Camposano and Reymond Sabanal contributed nine and seven points, respectively.
The Protectors will look to break their two-game skid against 3B also on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
