The Spin Doctors sealed their place in the semifinals with a 25-23, 29-27, 25-18 victory over the EcoOil La Salle Green Oilers in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena on Friday.
The win demonstrated Savouge’s killer instinct, as the Spin Doctors powered through a tense first two sets, which saw them save a match point in the second frame and fend off multiple set points from La Salle in the next. Then, in the third frame, they showed their clinical edge, overpowering the young Green Oilers after a hard-fought battle in the opening sets.
“Before kami maglaro, sabi ko lang ayaw ko kayo ma-pressure, kung ano lang yung tinraining natin for this week, execute lang natin and I think ‘yun ‘yung naging edge namin today kung bakit nanalo kami,” said Savogue head coach Sydney Calderon.
Sherwin Caritativo, who led the charge with 16 points, including 14 on attacks, to clinch the game's top honors, spoke about the team's determination in the lead-up to the crucial match.
“It’s a do-or-die game for us. So hindi talaga kami nagpahinga. After we beat D’Navigators, dire-diretso na kami sa training. Walang pahinga talaga. Ang sab inga namin, kung gusto nyo nang umuwi, ‘go na’ …kung hindi tuloy tayo sa semis,” said Caritativo.
In the third set, Savouge didn’t have to dig deep, racing to an 18-12 lead thanks to contributions from Austria and Giles Torres, securing a dominant 25-18 victory in just under two hours of play.
“Actually part talaga ng training namin ‘yung kung paano hahabol sa lamang na kalaban. Part yan ng training namin, yung pressured games para just in case mangyari sa laro which is naapply namin so super happy ako sa kanila,” added Calderon.
Caritativo also posted 10 excellent receptions and five digs, while. Torres added 13 points from 10 spikes and three blocks. Setter Michael Imperial was instrumental, dishing out 18 excellent sets, while Austria, Magpayo, and De Pedro contributed nine points each.
For the Green Oilers, Joshua Magalaman and Noel Kampton scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. However, their fourth consecutive loss after a strong 4-0 start dashed their semifinal hopes.
After an up-and-down performance in the prelims, including a surprising loss to the Navy Sealions and a two-set slip-up against the Ultras, Savouge knew they had to dig deep. Their shutout win over the D'Navigators reignited their momentum and propelled them toward a semis spot.
