Savouge proved it’s not just Finals-bound – but Finals-ready.
Refusing to ease up despite already clinching a historic berth, the Spin Doctors scuttled the Alpha Insurance Protectors, 25-20, 25-15, 26-24, to complete a semifinal sweep in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the FilOil Centre.
The Spin Doctors capped off the Final Four at No. 1 and are now officially locked in for their first-ever Finals appearance. They will face the Criss Cross King Crunchers, who secured the other championship berth with a 2–1 record.
“Before kami lumabas today sa dugout, ni-remind ko lang ‘yung mga players na maganda pa rin na matapos namin ‘yung semis… matawid namin ng maayos para ma-sweep namin para mataas ‘yung momentum namin pagdating ng finals (Before we went out of the dugout, I reminded the players that it’s still important for us to finish the semifinals strong… to get through it properly and complete the sweep so we can carry high momentum into the finals,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
Even with key starters resting, Savouge maintained its intensity and discipline, showcasing depth and composure in 69-minute victory over a determined Alpha Insurance side that threatened to extend the match late.
Calderon made sure complacency never crept in, repeatedly reminding his squad to stay sharp – especially in the tightly contested third set.
“If you let them take a set, they’ll only get more fired up,” Calderon warned in Filipino as the Protectors kept within striking distance.
Savouge responded with poise down the stretch. Alpha Insurance leaned on the explosive Jau Umandal, whose power hitting, including a clutch through-the-block attack against former teammate Louie Ramirez, saved a match point and kept hopes alive.
But the Spin Doctors had the final say.
Mark Calado delivered in the clutch, hammering a towering down-the-line hit to restore match point before sealing the win with a decisive block touch off a backrow attack that completed Savouge’s dominant run through the semis.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, lagi naman namin ‘yung pina-practice. In case na dikdikan kami, we have a system na kung kanino ibibigay ‘yung bola, paano namin siya tatrabahuhin, and as much as possible paano namin siya tatapusin (I told them that it’s something we’ve always practiced. In case the game gets tight, we have a system for who gets the ball, how we execute the play, and, as much as possible, how we finish it),” said Calderon.
JP Bugaoan, Hero Austria and Calado each finished with nine points, while Shawie Caritativo added eight markers and 15 excellent receptions in a balanced offensive attack for the Spin Doctors.
Vince Imperial dished out 12 excellent sets and finished with two points off the bench, while Rikko Marmeto came through with 12 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, the Protectors wound up with a 0-3 card but will still have a shot at the bronze against AEP-Cabstars in the tournament, organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha Insurance, ArenaPlus, Black Mamba, and Premiere EMS.
Umandal paced the Protectors with 13 points, while Edward Camposano tallied a double-double of 12 points and 18 excellent receptions.
