GAMES SUNDAY
(Ynares Sports Arena)
1 p.m. – Criss Cross vs Alpha Insurance
3:30 p.m. – VNS vs Cignal
6 p.m. – Savouge vs PGJC-Navy
COMING off a tough five-set loss to Criss Cross, Savouge vented its frustration on VNS-Laticrete, scoring a 25-16, 25-20, 25-23 victory yesterday to close the first round of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on a high note at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Spin Doctors banked on their sharp attacks and superb floor defense to dominate the Griffins in the first two sets, then fought back from three points down late in the third, capitalizing on their rivals’ miscues to fashion out the straight-set victory.
Savouge kept its hold of the No. 3 spot with a 3-2 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision behind the unbeaten Cignal and Criss Cross, both toting 4-0 marks.
The HD Spikers and the King Crunchers were disputing the solo lead at press time.
“Di pa rinnawawala ‘yungsa endgame naminnaalamnaminlamang kami, taposnagiging complacent talaga ‘yungmga players. ‘Yun lang ‘yung gusto kotalagangmabago,” said Savouge coach Sydney Calderon.
CJ Segui tried to will VNS back into the match as he delivered back-to-back points to tie the score at 22. But Jan Mangulabnan committed a costly error before Segui’s attack sailed out, enabling the Spin Doctors to move to match point, 24-22.
Charlee Magpayo made a service fault in the ensuing play as VNS staved off the outright setback but John Diwa sneaked in for a quick attack to dash the Griffins’ hopes for a turnaround in the tournament also supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.
“Good thing is meron pang round two, so kailangantalagamaalisnamin ‘yun. We will really work hard on it sa training,” added Calderon.
Mark Calado led the Spin Doctors with 18 points on 16-of-30 attacks and finished with two blocks, while Sherwin Cartiativo dished out an 11-point, 10-excellent reception, and five-excellent dig performance to help anchor their victory.
