In a thrilling clash between undefeated teams, DN Steel Far Eastern U fought off a determined Savouge side, rallying in the fifth set to secure a nail-biting 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 16-14 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at Ynares Sports Center in Pasig on Sunday.
The win extended FEU’s win run to six, keeping the Ultras spotless and inching them closer to the semifinals while halting the Spin Doctors’ own four-game win streak. With this result, only EcoOil La Salle remains unbeaten, having won their first three matches.
“Siguro ‘yung moment lang na kung sino lang ang may pinakagustong manalo, ‘yun ang makakakuha ng match. ‘Yun siguro ‘yun,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo after steering the Ultras to another hard-fought victory in two hours and 23 minutes.
Though hitter Dryx Saavedra led FEU with an impressive 25 points, including 22 attacks, it was rookie Luis Miguel who became the unlikely hero in the fifth set.
Called upon in the decisive moments, Miguel seized the opportunity, delivering five crucial points in the final frame. His last two attacks clinched the game after Savouge faltered on a 1-2 play, giving Miguel the chance to strike from the wing for the lead.
Behind Mikko Espartero, the Ultras' defense held strong as the Spin Doctors launched their attack, setting up Miguel for another decisive kill that sealed the victory.
The intense showdown lived up to the pre-game hype as a "match to watch," with both teams trading momentum throughout the contest.
FEU appeared ready to sweep the match after dominating the first two sets, but Savouge found its rhythm and fought back, showcasing the Spin Doctors’ energetic, high-speed style in the third and fourth sets.
They even took a two-point lead in the fifth set twice, the last at 12-10 on a Louis Gamban’s powerful spike. However, the Ultras responded with a strong finish, bringing the score level at 13 on a Mikko Espartero crosscourt hit and a Giles Torres’ attack error.
In the ensuing play, as both sides traded blows, Savouge’s 1-2 play misfired, and Miguel capitalized with a powerful spike from the left wing to put FEU ahead. With momentum on their side, the Ultras turned to Miguel once more, and the rookie delivered the match-winning point with the poise of a veteran.
“We played well in the first two sets but got a little too relaxed, thinking we could win in straight sets,” said Saavedra in Filipino, referencing the team's similar comeback victory against the VNS Griffins on Nov. 3. “But coach motivated us to push through.”
The victory also served as a fitting birthday gift for FEU coach Orcullo.
Espartero added 14 points, while middle blockers Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Benny Martinez tossed 25 excellent sets and finished with two points, while Vennie Ceballos had 15 excellent receptions and five excellent digs for the Ultras, who will face another tough contender in the Criss Cross King Crunchers on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Despite the loss, the Spin Doctors kept their heads high, proving themselves as a formidable contender in the league’s season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.
Torres led Savouge with 17 points, while Sherwin Caritativo had 13 markers and came through with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Gamban and Deanne De Pedro, who played key roles in their comeback attempt, had nine and eight points, respectively.
The Spin Doctors will eye to bounce back against the PGJC-Navy Sealions on Friday at 4 p.m.
