Savouge proved its status as a title contender in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, pulling off a thrilling upset against favorite Cignal, 19-25, 27-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13, on Friday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite the HD Spikers' strong 25-19 third-set comeback, the Spin Doctors held firm, maintaining their belief in their ability to hand the 2024 Open champions their first loss of the tournament.
Led by Hero Austria, Sherwin Caritativo, and former Cignal middle blocker Giles Torres, Savouge powered through the fourth set and managed a narrow 25-23 escape to force a deciding frame.
In the fifth, it was Hero Austria and Charlee Magpayo’s time to shine. With the game tied at 13, Austria delivered a crucial hit off Lloyd Josafat’s hands to bring Savouge to match point, which Magpayo claimed with a solid block on Martin Bugaoan’s attack, sealing the win after two hours and 23 minutes.
A pivotal moment occurred in the fifth set, tied at 11, when Jau Umandal cramped up in his right leg following a spike attempt.
"Before we started the game, may message ako sa team na parang moon and sun lang yun, we have our own each light and we’re just waiting to shine kung kailan. Kung si Cignal siya ‘yung sun, kami naman ‘yung moon so we have our own light and yun yung naging motivation,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
"Team effort talaga. Tiwala lang sa sarili kasi kung walang tatalo sa Cignal, sino? Yun lang yung sinabi ko, chinallenge ko lang yung sarili namin," added the team owner turned tactician.
This remarkable victory extended the Spin Doctors' unbeaten streak to three games, placing them in sole possession of the top spot.
Caritativo, who came off the bench, led Savouge with 19 points on 19-of-37 attacks. Austria, playing just two full sets, contributed 10 points, including four in the final set.
It was a full team effort with contributions across the board—Magpayo added 10 points, while Torres and Lorenz Señoron chipped in with eight and six points, respectively.
Savouge now enjoys a long break before its next game on November 6 against the winless Chichi DHTSI at the Philsports Arena.
For Cignal, Umandal led the charge with 21 points, along with 12 excellent receptions and four digs, while Mark Calado contributed 11 points.
Cignal (1-1) will look to bounce back on Wednesday in its matchup against Martelli Meats at the same Pasig venue.
