Savouge Aesthetics encountered resistance in the third set but still completed a 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 sweep of PGJC-Navy on Wednesday, November 12, at the Paco Arena to strengthen its semifinal bid in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

After dominating the first two frames, the Spin Doctors dug deep in the third as momentum swung back and forth in tense plays late in the match. The victory pushed Savouge to a 4-2 card, keeping it firmly in the hunt for a spot in the round-robin semifinals.

Savouge holds firm late to finish sweep

Locked at 22-all, Shawie Caritativo smashed a cross-court hit before an illegal block call on Abdul Bangcola handed Savouge match point. Joeven Dela Vega momentarily extended the match for the Sealions with an off-the-block conversion, but Raymark Betco delivered the clincher after his attack was initially ruled out but overturned via a successful challenge.

“Nag-adjust talaga kami sa rotation namin,” Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon said. “Based sa stats, nakita namin ‘yung mga marami kaming errors at hindi kami makapatay agad sa ilang rotation. So ‘yun ‘yung wino-workout namin, and I’m very happy with what I saw today.”

Balanced contributions fuel Spin Doctors

Mark Calado paced Savouge with 13 points to go with eight excellent receptions and seven digs. Betco also tallied 13 points, all on attacks, while Giles Torres and Angelo Reyes chipped in nine each with a combined five blocks.

Caritativo added eight points as JM Paglao steered the offense with 17 excellent sets. The result marked Savouge’s second straight win in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Savouge will next face defending champion Cignal in a pivotal showdown on Friday at 5 p.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Sealions dropped to their fifth straight defeat, officially bowing out of semifinal contention. Dela Vega finished with 13 points for PGJC-Navy, while Greg Dolor added seven. The Sealions aim for their breakthrough win against the Alpha Insurance Protectors on Friday at 3 p.m.