With a retooled roster packed with championship-caliber talent, Savouge has quickly validated its lofty pre-season billing, sweeping its first two matches in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference in emphatic fashion.
The Spin Doctors take on the winless VNS Always Bright Laticrete Griffins at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the FilOil Playtime Centre, aiming not only to extend their hot start and keep pace with early leader Criss Cross King Crunchers, but also to further cement their credentials as a legitimate championship contender – not just a semifinal hopeful.
Still, head coach Sydney Calderon refuses to get carried away.
Despite the strong opening surge, Calderon stressed that the team remains a work in progress and is approaching each match with the same level of urgency.
“Paghahandaan namin lahat, kahit sino ‘yung makakalaban namin paghahandaan talaga namin. Mapa-VNS man ‘yan, Cabstars man, lahat pare-pareho ‘yung respeto namin sa lahat ng teams,” said Calderon, whose squad dispatched the 3B Event Masters and Alpha Insurance Protectors to kick off its title bid in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
For Calderon, the real challenge isn’t motivation – it’s managing depth.
“Good thing lang is siguro magbibigay ako ng chance sa iba kong players. Kasi to be honest, nahihirapan ako, ang sakit talaga sa ulo mamili ng final 14 every game kasi halos lahat ng ipasok talagang maasahan,” he added.
Truly, Savouge’s strength has been evident early. Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo and Louie Ramirez have formed a potent three-pronged attack on the wings, consistently stretching defenses with varied scoring angles and sustained offensive bursts.
At the middle and backline, JP Bugaoan and Giles Torres have anchored the net, while Rikko Marmeto and JC Enarciso have orchestrated play with steady floor defense and precise distribution – providing the balance that has fueled the team’s early dominance.
Across the net, however, VNS showed signs of life in its last outing, rallying from a two-set deficit against 3B before falling in the deciding frame to absorb its third straight loss. The Griffins may be winless, but they have proven they won’t go down without a fight.
VNS will lean on Howard Guerra, Ronnie Adviento, Jerzy Santos, Djomari Gamotea, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Joshua Cruz and Terrence Marticion as it seeks its breakthrough victory.
In the 5 p.m. showdown, Alpha Insurance squares off with 3B in a pivotal clash with solo third place on the line in the tightly packed six-team field.
After back-to-back defeats following a triumphant debut, the Protectors are eager to rediscover their rhythm and translate early promise into sustained success in the tourney backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba and Premier EMS.
Jau Umandal, JM Ronquillo, Edward Camposano, Reymond Sabanal, Billie Anima, Cian Silang, and Neil Manato will spearhead Alpha’s charge as the squad continues to refine its rotations and chemistry while banking on its depth and firepower.
Meanwhile, 3B rides the momentum of a gritty five-set win over VNS – a match that highlighted the Event Masters’ resilience and poise under pressure.
Carl Berdal and Kenneth Daynata will again lead 3B’s attack, forming a dynamic 1-2 punch capable of swinging momentum at any given moment.
