Savouge Aesthetics refused to let another slow start derail its campaign, shaking off an error-filled opening frame before clamping down and rolling past VNS, 20–25, 25–20, 25–21, 25–16, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Stunned early and still feeling the sting of a shutout loss to Criss Cross, the Spin Doctors struggled to find rhythm as the young VNS squad dictated the tempo in the first set. That changed after a mid-set pep talk from head coach Sydney Calderon, which sparked a major shift in energy and execution.

Savouge steadies after emotional bounce-back talk

“Lahat kasi emotional sa pagkatalo namin sa Criss Cross kasi na-sweep kami so understandable,” Calderon said. “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.”

With composure restored, Savouge settled into its system, tightened its block, and found cleaner passing lanes. Trailing by just two in the fourth at 15-13, the Spin Doctors detonated an eight-point run sparked by Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, and Lorenz Señoron to put the match away in one hour and 52 minutes.

Caritativo, Torres headline balanced charge

Caritativo led the team with 17 points on 13 spikes, three aces, and a block, while anchoring reception with a 16-of-19 clip and adding five digs. Torres matched his scoring output with 17, including five blocks, while Mark Calado and Reymark Betco chipped in 16 and 10 points.

Axel Book and RK Medino fired 16 points each to pace VNS, with Book also tallying 17 excellent receptions, but the Griffins slid to 0-4 as Savouge improved to 3-2 in the competition supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.

Both teams return to action Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Savouge meets PGJC-Navy at 1 p.m., while winless VNS faces FEU-DN Steel at 3 p.m.