Savouge celebrates after beating DN Steel-FEU in the bronze medal match of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, December 15, 2024 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media
MANILA -- For the second time in three days, Savouge defeated DN Steel-Far Eastern University in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
This time around, the victory was more meaningful for the Spin Doctors as they secured the bronze in the tournament after taking down the Ultras in four sets, 25-21, 16-25, 25-14, 25-17, Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.
Shawie Caritativo, recently named the league's Player of the Week, tallied 14 points while buckling an ankle injury in the second set.
READ: Savouge warms up for bronze medal match with sweep of DN Steel-FEU
READ: Player of the Week Caritativo takes charge in Savouge's bid for podium finish
Savouge regained the momentum in the third set and stayed in control in the fourth, pulling away from a 3-3 count by winning five straight rallies. Jhun Lorenz Senoron took charge in the frame, scoring three of their first eight points.
The Spin Doctors never looked back from there, extending their lead to 18-11 off a running attack from John Daniel Diwa.
Despite efforts from Arnet Bituin, Jelord Talisayan and Dryx Saavedra to rally the Ultras back into the match, the Spin Doctors maintained composure. Diwa fittingly delivered the finishing blow on a slide play, sealing the bronze medal victory in dominant fashion.
"I thank the Lord not just for helping us reach the semifinals but also for giving us this bonus – our bronze medal," said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.
"I always instilled in them that no matter who we’re facing, we must go all out. We have to give 110 percent effort," she added.
Toto De Pedro earned Player of the Game honors with 12 points, while Giles Torres matched his output. Senoron finished with 10 markers.
Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza both scored 16 points, while Talisayan finished with eight markers and Mikko Espartero and Bituin added seven points apiece for the Ultras, who barely yielded the battle in spikes, 52-54, and dominated in blocks, 12-8.
But they gave up 26 free points on unforced errors, including 17 from the service line, against the Spin Doctors’ 13 mistakes.