Mark Calado put up another stellar performance, firing 28 points as Savouge rallied from an eight-point deficit in the fourth set to carve out a 24-26, 25-14, 25-19, 28-26 victory over VNS-Laticrete at the close of the semifinal round of the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The win snapped the Spin Doctors’ two-game skid in the single-round semis and provided crucial momentum ahead of their best-of-three bronze medal series against the Griffins, which kicks off Wednesday.
Savouge has dominated VNS in their previous encounters, securing victories in all three of their head-to-head matchups this conference organized by Sports Vision and backed by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.
Calado proved unstoppable, tallying 25 attacks, two aces, and one kill block. He also showcased his defensive prowess with 10 excellent receptions to cap another outstanding performance.
"That's what's important. I told the team that they need to feel the court and the ball because come Wednesday, it’s all about teamwork. Whoever gets subbed in must be ready and contribute points," said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon in Filipino.
The Griffins, led by CJ Segui, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Kenneth Culabat, and RK Medino, surged to an early 12-4 advantage in the fourth set, seemingly poised to force a decider.
But Calado and the Spin Doctors had other plans.
With composure under pressure and key contributions from Madz Gampong, Sherwin Caritativo, and Renzel Antonio, Savouge clawed back to level the set at 21. VNS-Laticrete briefly regained control, reaching set point at 26-25 after a Segui down-the-line hit, a Medino attack, and a Caritativo service error.
However, Savouge answered with four straight points, featuring an Antonio down-the-line hit, a Calado crosscourt strike, a Medino attack error, and another Calado winner to claim match point at 25-24.
VNS made one final push, but Antonio and Calado sealed the victory with three consecutive attacks.
“In the fourth set, I knew we could catch up because we’ve practiced these situations. It’s all about trust. I also made sure to give playing time to everyone. Overall, I’m happy with our performance and how we overcame the challenges,” said Calderon.
Antonio shined in his first full start, contributing 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks. Caritativo, Gampong, and Giles Torres each added seven points, while John Paglaon tallied 15 excellent sets. Bhim Diones recorded 10 excellent digs.
VNS-Laticrete struggled throughout the semis, dropping all of its assignments. The Griffins have now lost four straight matches, including a straight-sets defeat to the Spin Doctors in the preliminary round last March 19.
Segui led the Griffins with 17 points, including 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while adding 16 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs. Medino chipped in 14 points on 13 attacks, and Jan Mangulabnan registered 20 excellent sets and scored two points.
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