The Savouge Spin Doctors forced a fifth set against powerhouse Cignal HD Spikers and upended them in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The Savouge Spin Doctors asserted their title credentials in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, delivering an electrifying upset over tournament favorites Cignal HD Spikers, 19-25, 27-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13, Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite a dominant third set by Cignal, the Spin Doctors refused to fold, grinding out a narrow 25-23 fourth-set win to force a deciding fifth frame. Hero Austria and Charlee Magpayo then took control, with Austria scoring off Lloyd Josafat’s hands for match point before Magpayo sealed the victory with a block on Martin Bugaoan’s attack, ending the two-hour, 23-minute battle.
Austria’s heroics were timely, especially after Cignal’s Jau Umandal cramped up in the fifth, tied at 11.
"May message ako sa team: parang moon and sun lang, we have our own light," said Savouge coach Sydney Calderon. "Kung si Cignal siya ‘yung sun, kami naman ‘yung moon."
Sherwin Caritativo, off the bench, led Savouge with 19 points on 19-of-37 spikes. Austria contributed 10, including four in the final set, while Magpayo added 10 points, and Giles Torres and Lorenz Señoron chipped in with eight and six points.
"Team effort talaga. Tiwala lang sa sarili kasi kung walang tatalo sa Cignal, sino? Yun lang yung sinabi ko, chinallenge ko lang yung sarili namin," added the team owner turned tactician.
The win boosts Savouge to 3-0 atop the standings. They next face Chichi DHTSI on November 6. Cignal, led by Umandal’s 21 points and Mark Calado’s 11, aims to bounce back on Wednesday against Martelli Meats in Pasig.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]