Savouge Aesthetics shook off a shaky start and stormed back to crush VNS in four sets, 20–25, 25–20, 25–21, 25–16, in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Still reeling from a shutout loss to the Criss Cross King Crunchers, the Spin Doctors came out flat and disorganized in the opening set, allowing the young Griffins to dictate the early pace. But after a huddle led by head coach Sydney Calderon, Savouge found its groove – and never looked back.
“Lahat kasi emotional sa pagkatalo namin sa Criss Cross kasi na-sweep kami so understandable,” Calderon admitted. “Pero sabi ko nga sa kanila, kapag nag-dwell tayo doon, hindi tayo makakapag move forward. Slow start talaga kanina pero nabuhay naman nung sabi ko kumuha muna ng momentum nung second set tapos dire-diretso na.”
Once Savouge settled down, its trademark cohesion and crisp execution returned. From being sluggish in the first frame, the Spin Doctors suddenly played with purpose – their attacks sharper and their blocks more precise.
Ahead by just two points in the fourth set, 15-13, Savouge uncorked a decisive eight-point barrage anchored by the troika of Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, and Lorenz Señoron, sealing the one-hour, 52-minute victory.
Caritativo led the way with 17 points built on 13 spikes, three aces, and a block, while also shining on defense with 16-of-19 excellent receptions and five digs – a complete performance that steadied Savouge’s ship.
Torres was equally impressive, also finishing with 17 points, including five blocks, while Mark Calado and Reymark Betco chipped in 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Axel Book and RK Medino fought valiantly and led VNS with 16 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stop Savouge’s mid-match resurgence as the Griffins fell to 0-4. Book also recorded 17 excellent receptions in a strong two-way effort.
With the win, Savouge improved to 3–2 in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things and Arena Plus.
Both teams return to action on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan with Savouge facing PGJC-Navy at 1 p.m., and VNS looking to break its skid against FEU-DN Steel at 3 p.m.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, and on the Pilipinas Live app, which also offers video-on-demand access. Games are also streamed via spikersturf.ph.
