Savouge rebounded from a tough opening-day loss, overcoming a third-set scare to dispatch debuting Far Eastern University-DN Steel in four sets, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Reymark Betco, who was placed on reserve during Savouge’s first game, made an explosive debut with 21 points — all from attacks — to steer the Spin Doctors to their first victory of the tournament organized by Sports Vision, improving to 1-1.
“Malaking bagay na talagang na-add sa’min si [Reymark] Betco kasi napaka-power na addition sa team namin. Gusto niyang maglaro nung first game, kaso marami kaming games this week. Sabi ko gagamitin kita sa FEU,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
After failing to finish the job in the third frame despite holding a 23-22 lead, Savouge regrouped and took full control in the fourth. Betco sparked a decisive 3-0 run that stretched a narrow 20-19 lead into a 23-19 cushion.
Charles Absin tried to stop the bleeding for FEU-DN Steel with a kill, but Charlee Magpayo quickly answered with a quick attack to bring Savouge to match point. Mark Calado’s back-row attempt then clipped the net, giving the Tamaraws a brief lifeline before Shawie Caritativo hammered a floating ball to seal the win after an hour and 45 minutes of action.
“Yesterday talagang nag-training kami, kinundisyon namin ‘yung mga bata na sabi ko, ‘yung pagkatalo namin nung first game it doesn’t define who we are. Sabi ko sa kanila mas maganda ‘yung comeback game,” added Calderon.
Calado paced Savouge’s offense with 15 points built on 13 attacks, one block, and one ace, while the Spin Doctors drew solid contributions from JM Paglaon, who also returned to the lineup after sitting out the opener. Paglaon tallied 29 excellent sets and two points, effectively orchestrating the offense against FEU’s 13-kill-block defense.
Caritativo provided steady support with 10 points, 20 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs, while Giles Torres chipped in 10 markers. Rikko Marmetto also stood out on defense with 17 receptions and eight digs.
Savouge looks to keep its momentum going when it faces University of Santo Tomas on Friday at 4 p.m. in the same venue.
On the other hand, Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 19 points, while Christian Paul Salboro and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 13 points apiece in a losing effort.
FEU-DN Steel will try to bounce back against PGJC-Navy also on Friday at 2 p.m.
All matches are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand access via the Pilipinas Live app. Games are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
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