Savouge celebrates a point against DN Steel-FEU in the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 13, 2024 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media
MANILA -- Savouge gained momentum ahead of the bronze medal match in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference by sweeping DN Steel-FEU, Friday evening at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
In what was essentially a warm-up between the two squads that will battle for third place, the Spin Doctors came away with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 victory in one hour and 30 minutes.
It was a confidence-boosting result for Savouge, which is eyeing a breakthrough podium finish in the league. They had to overcome a shaky start before taking complete control en route to the straight sets triumph.
"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 two teams will face off anew on Sunday in a one-game clash for bronze. First serve is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
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.
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 back row, clinching the win and ensuring the Spin Doctors’ dominance in the match.
Shawie Caritativo led Savouge with 11 points, while Louis Gamban added eight and Giles Torres contributed seven markers.
Dryx Saavedra once again paced the Ultras with 10 points, while Charles Absin added eight of his own.