Reymark Betco once again took center stage as Savouge turned back UST-Gameville, 26-24, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, to claim its second consecutive victory in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After sitting out their opening-day loss to the Alpha Insurance Protectors, Betco has been nothing short of explosive since returning to action.
The rising star from Saint Benilde detonated for 20 points built on 19-of-31 attacks and a block, steering the Spin Doctors to a 2-1 record — now in solo second place in the standings of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
“‘Yung maturity ng team at disiplina lumabas, naglessen kami ng error so I think ‘yun ‘yung naghelp sa amin, talagang team effort ‘yung nangyari,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, pleased with how her squad bounced back from its early misstep.
Calderon also praised Betco’s energy and commitment.
“Napakalaking bagay ni Betco kasi nasa momentum siya eh. Binigyan ko ng playing time kasi sabi niya sa akin, ‘pag bibigyan mo ako ng playing time promise gagawin ko ang best ko,’ so I think kita naman natin sobrang ganda,” she added.
Sherwin Umandal tried to will the Golden Spikers back into the match, delivering four of his six points during UST-Gameville’s late surge in the third set to force a fourth frame.
But Savouge’s one-two punch of Mark Calado and Shawie Caritativo shut the door on the comeback attempt, combining forces to seal the win after one hour and 55 minutes of play.
Calado provided all-around stability with 15 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Giles Torres chipped in 12 points.
Caritativo contributed nine markers as Savouge played a cleaner game, committing just 19 errors compared to UST-Gameville’s 36.
Savouge will try to extend its winning streak to three when it faces Criss Cross on Wednesday, still at the Paco Arena.
Meanwhile, UST-Gameville (1-1) will aim to bounce back on Sunday against VNS at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Gboy de Vega led the Golden Spikers with 17 points and 12 excellent receptions, while JJ Macam and Trevor Valera added 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
Former UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez was limited to just eight points in the loss.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand access available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
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