Mark Calado and Jared Schnake have emerged as the driving forces behind Savouge’s recovery in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, combining for 29 points to help the Spin Doctors put their winless start behind them.

Their production powered Savouge to a straight-sets victory over Far Eastern University-DN Steel, 25-23, 25-18, 25-19, on Wednesday, November 4, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The result gave the Spin Doctors consecutive wins and improved their record to 2-2 after opening the conference with two defeats.

The back-to-back victories have also restored confidence as Savouge looks to keep its semifinal hopes alive. Head coach Sydney Calderon stressed that the latest match was particularly important in determining the team’s direction.

“Malaking tulong itong panalo sa amin kasi recover ito sa amin … though emotionally, sayang ‘yung first two losses namin. ‘Yung third game, medyo bumebwelo na kami and itong fourth, talagang in-all-out na namin lahat kasi this is a must-win for Savouge kasi ito ‘yung didikta kung aabot kami ng semifinals and tinatantsa namin ang outcome ng team,” Calderon said.

Calado, Schnake Power Savouge

Calado led the Spin Doctors with 17 points, all from attacks, while Schnake supplied 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks. Their combined output gave Savouge the offensive production it needed to secure its second straight victory.

For Calado, the winning streak has provided a welcome confidence boost after the team’s difficult opening stretch. He said carrying that momentum into the next matches would help the Spin Doctors compete with greater belief.

“Madadagdan ulit ‘yung confidence namin,” Calado said. “Tuloy-tuloy ‘yung panalo namin and mas magandang lumaban sa mga susunod kapag galing sa panalo kaysa sa talo.”

Savouge still had to withstand a tight opening set before taking control of the match. Joeven Dela Vega blocked Amet Bituin to give the Spin Doctors a 24-22 advantage, then delivered the set-clinching kill after Doula Ndongala scored for FEU.

The Spin Doctors carried that momentum into the second frame, breaking away after the teams were tied at nine. A 10-3 run, capped by JP Bugaoan’s block on Joshua Idong, stretched Savouge’s lead to 19-12.

Savouge maintained its advantage and capitalized on FEU’s errors to take the second set, 25-18. Muhamed Diop’s attack fell short, giving the Spin Doctors the set and putting them one frame away from the sweep.

Savouge Builds Semifinal Momentum

FEU attempted to extend the match in the third set, with Kyle Tandoc blocking Dela Vega to cut the deficit to 18-17. Savouge responded with a decisive 7-2 closing run to prevent the Tamaraws from forcing another set.

Bugaoan punctuated the finish with a back-row attack, sealing the 25-19 victory and Savouge’s second consecutive win. The result brought the Spin Doctors back to an even record after their 0-2 start.

Savouge will look to extend its winning streak to three matches against the VNS Laticrete Griffins on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. Another victory would give the Spin Doctors further momentum in their push for a semifinal spot.

FEU, meanwhile, absorbed its second consecutive defeat. Ndongala was the Tamaraws’ lone player in double figures, finishing with 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks.

Tandoc and Charles Absin added eight points apiece, but FEU could not stop Savouge from completing the sweep. The Tamaraws will try to bounce back against the ClearSkin UV Smashers on Sunday at 1 p.m., also at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.