SANTA ROSA – Savouge followed up its narrow five-set victory over Martelli Meats with a commanding performance, sweeping VNS, 25-16, 25-23, 25-16, to grab a share of the early lead in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna here on Tuesday.
It was an all-around team effort for the Spin Doctors, as 10 different players contributed at least two points in their quick, one-hour, 17-minute triumph over the youthful VNS side.
“Lagi ko ngang sinasabi sa team ko na let’s do it one step at a time. So kung sino ‘yung makakalaban natin, gawin lang natin ‘yung best natin.So ‘yun lang sinabi ko sa kanila. ‘Wag muna nating isipin ‘yung ranking na ‘yan,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, whose wards matched the Ultras’ strong start in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
DN Steel-FEU, meanwhile, kicked off its campaign with back-to-back four-set victories over Chichi DHTSI and D’Navigators Iloilo.
Lorenz Señoron and Norwel Sanama led the offensive charge for the Spin Doctors, scoring nine points each, while Giles Torres and Louis Gamban contributed with eight and seven markers, respectively.
Vince Imperial orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets while adding two points, and Rikko Marmeto stood out defensively with 13 excellent receptions.
“Pinaghirapan namin ‘yung win namin today, it was a team effort kasi lahat gumagalaw. Nakita niyo naman pinasok namin lahat ng players,” added Calderon.
The Spin Doctors, however, will face a tough test next as they aim for a third consecutive win against the favored Cignal HD Spikers on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Cignal was set to launch its title drive against Chichi DHTSI at presstime.
The Griffins, who previously swept the Master Butchers, have struggled with consistency early in the tournament, falling to a 1-2 record.
Roderick Medino, fighting through flu-like symptoms in their previous matches, led VNS with 11 points, while CJ Segui and Christian Olaes each contributed seven markers.
The Griffins will look to bounce back in their next match against the rising Ultras on Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
