MANILA -- Savouge Aesthetics had to overcome a shaky start before defeating VNS in four sets, 20–25, 25–20, 25–21, 25–16, in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Spin Doctors came out flat in the opening set, which head coach Sydney Calderon attributed to their loss to Criss Cross in their previous assignment.
“Lahat kasi emotional sa pagkatalo namin sa Criss Cross kasi na-sweep kami so understandable,” Calderon admitted.
“Pero sabi ko nga sa kanila, kapag nag-dwell tayo doon, hindi tayo makakapag move forward. Slow start talaga kanina pero nabuhay naman nung sabi ko kumuha muna ng momentum nung second set tapos dire-diretso na.”
Savouge regained its form in the ensuing sets, turning back all of VNS' attempts to extend the match.
Ahead by just two points in the fourth set, 15-13, Savouge uncorked a decisive eight-point barrage anchored by the troika of Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, and Lorenz Señoron, sealing the one-hour, 52-minute victory.
Caritativo led the way with 17 points built on 13 spikes, three aces, and a block, while also shining on defense with 16-of-19 excellent receptions and five digs.
Torres finished with 17 points, including five blocks, while Mark Calado and Reymark Betco chipped in 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Axel Book and RK Medino fought valiantly and led VNS with 16 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stop Savouge’s mid-match resurgence as the Griffins fell to 0-4. Book also recorded 17 excellent receptions in a strong two-way effort.
With the win, Savouge improved to 3–2 in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things and Arena Plus.
Both teams return to action on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan with Savouge facing PGJC-Navy at 1 p.m., and VNS looking to break its skid against FEU-DN Steel at 3 p.m.