The Savouge Spin Doctors performed a straight-set thumping of EcoOil-La Salle Green Oilers to take the last slot of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference semifinals.
Savouge proved it’s for real, showcasing not just the firepower and resilience needed to compete at the highest level, but also a sense of poise and resolve.
The Spin Doctors sealed their place in the semifinals with a 25-23, 29-27, 25-18 victory over the EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Friday.
The win demonstrated Savouge’s killer instinct, as the Spin Doctors powered through a tense first two sets, which saw them save a match point in the second frame and fend off multiple set points from La Salle in the next.
Then, in the third frame, they showed their clinical edge, overpowering the young Green Oilers after a hard-fought battle in the opening sets.
With a 6-2 (win-loss) record, Savouge joined Cignal, Criss Cross and DN Steel FEU in the semis round, regardless on the outcome of their final match against the King Crunchers on Sunday.
A guest squad will spice up the race to the finals starting next week.
Savouge's victory also dashed the hopes of two other contenders, the Green Oilers (4-4) and the Navy Sealions (4-3), from advancing.
“Before kami maglaro, sabi ko lang ayaw ko kayo ma-pressure, kung ano lang yung tinraining natin for this week, execute lang natin and I think ‘yun ‘yung naging edge namin today kung bakit nanalo kami,” said Savogue head coach Sydney Calderon.
Sherwin Caritativo, who led the charge with 16 points, including 14 on attacks, to clinch the game's top honors, spoke about the team's determination in the lead-up to the crucial match.
“It’s a do-or-die game for us. So hindi talaga kami nagpahinga. After we beat D’Navigators, dire-diretso na kami sa training. Walang pahinga talaga. Ang sab inga namin, kung gusto nyo nang umuwi, ‘go na’ …kung hindi tuloy tayo sa semis,” said Caritativo.
Hero Austria scored the clinching point on a combination play to end the match after La Salle saved one match point. The Green Oilers challenged the final point, questioning whether the ball was in or out. However, video replay confirmed the ball had hit the baseline, officially sending Savouge to the semis.
Savouge showed their resolve in the opening two sets. Down 20-22 in the first set, the Spin Doctors rallied behind Caritativo, Charlee Magpayo and Austria, who combined for the team’s final five points while holding the Green Oilers to just one.
In the second set, Savouge slugged it out with La Salle hit-for-hit, with Caritativo sealing the set with a sharp crosscourt kill and an ace.
In the third set, Savouge didn’t have to dig deep, racing to an 18-12 lead thanks to contributions from Austria and Giles Torres, securing a dominant 25-18 victory in just under two hours of play.
“Actually part talaga ng training namin ‘yung kung paano hahabol sa lamang na kalaban. Part yan ng training namin, yung pressured games para just in case mangyari sa laro which is na-apply namin so super happy ako sa kanila,” added Calderon.
Caritativo also posted 10 excellent receptions and five digs, while. Torres added 13 points from 10 spikes and three blocks. Setter Michael Imperial was instrumental, dishing out 18 excellent sets, while Austria, Magpayo, and De Pedro contributed nine points each.
For the Green Oilers, Joshua Magalaman and Noel Kampton scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. However, their fourth consecutive loss after a strong 4-0 start dashed their semifinal hopes.
After an up-and-down performance in the prelims, including a surprising loss to the Navy Sealions and a two-set slip-up against the Ultras, Savouge knew they had to dig deep. Their shutout win over the D'Navigators reignited their momentum and propelled them toward a semis spot.