Calado Powers Savouge to Another Spikers’ Turf Invitational Victory
Savouge overcame an eight-player AFP squad in four sets Tuesday, extending its Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference winning streak to four. Mark Calado scored 26 points as the Spin Doctors prevailed 25-22, 25-17, 32-34, 25-23 at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Savouge Beats AFP for Fourth Consecutive Victory
Kiko Demigillo of One Sports reported that Savouge secured its fourth consecutive victory despite AFP’s determined four-set challenge. The Spin Doctors controlled the opening two frames before the shorthanded Cavaliers extended the match with a marathon third-set victory.
Savouge captured the first two sets 25-22 and 25-17 before AFP answered with a dramatic 34-32 third-set win. The Cavaliers remained within striking distance during the fourth, forcing Savouge to protect a narrow advantage until the final rally.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times / Facebook
Spin Doctors Survive AFP’s 34-32 Third-Set Response
AFP outside hitters Pol Salvador and Alfred Pagulong helped the Cavaliers survive an extended third set after Savouge approached victory. Head coach Sydney Calderon had expected a difficult contest after watching AFP previously push ClearSkiiin through five competitive sets.
“Sinabi ko naman na sa players prior ‘yung game namin today na AFP is AFP, alam ko talagang lalaban sila no matter what. Nakita na namin ‘yan against Clearskiiin, they dragged them to five sets so expected ko na talaga ‘yan,” Calderon said.
Mark Calado Leads Savouge With 26 Points
Calado spearheaded Savouge with 26 points and seven digs, producing the Spin Doctors’ highest scoring total against AFP. His performance included 24 successful attacks and two blocks while Savouge navigated lineup changes throughout the four-set contest.
Giles Torres contributed 14 points on nine attacks and five blocks, providing Savouge’s second-highest scoring total during Tuesday’s victory. Louie Ramirez added 10 points despite appearing in two sets, while Hero Austria contributed seven points and 19 excellent receptions.
Torres and Ramirez Support Savouge Attack
Torres produced five blocks among his 14 points, while Ramirez reached double figures despite playing only two sets. Austria recorded 19 excellent receptions from 24 attempts, adding another measurable contribution during Savouge’s fourth consecutive Invitational Conference victory.
Savouge Manages Fatigue With Expanded Rotation
Calderon acknowledged that fatigue affected Savouge after another short turnaround between matches during its demanding Invitational Conference schedule. The Spin Doctors had also entered their previous match against FEU with limited recovery time, according to their head coach.
Calderon consequently expanded his rotation against AFP, using second-unit players while reducing the workload of several regular starters. Jared Schnake, Joeven Dela Vega, and setter JC Enarciso were rested completely during Savouge’s four-set victory over the Cavaliers.
Calderon Rests Regulars Before Upcoming NU Match
Calderon connected his rotation decisions directly to Savouge’s limited recovery and upcoming Sunday assignment against NU-Archipelago Builders. He used most available second-unit players while deliberately resting regular starters ahead of another important Invitational Conference matchup.
“Siguro fatigue na rin ng players namin kasi parang one day lang ang pahinga namin then laro na naman ulit. Nung game namin against FEU halos wala rin kaming pahinga no’n so definitely sobrang pagod na rin talaga,” he said.
“Nakita niyo naman kanina halos lahat ipinasok ko, ‘yung mga second unit, ‘yung usual starters ko pinahinga ko kasi may game this Sunday ulit against NU-Archipelago Builders.”
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Undermanned AFP Pushes Savouge Across Four Sets
AFP competed with only eight available players after entering Tuesday’s match without five members of its regular Invitational Conference roster. Ranran Abdilla, James Buytrago, Jessie Lopez, Nico Ramirez, and Joshua Barrica were unavailable for the Cavaliers against Savouge.
Despite those absences, AFP won the third set and remained within one point when Savouge reached match point. Vincent Montalban blocked Wendel Miguel to make it 24-23 before JP Bugaoan converted Savouge’s match-winning quick attack.
Cavaliers Compete With Only Eight Available Players
AFP’s depleted lineup included natural libero Erl Eusebio handling setting responsibilities during the four-set match against the Spin Doctors. Eusebio finished with 14 excellent sets and five points while performing outside his usual position for the Cavaliers.
Salvador and Pagulong Lead AFP Resistance
Salvador led AFP with 24 points, carrying the Cavaliers’ scoring despite the absence of leading scorer Ranran Abdilla. Pagulong contributed 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and six digs while handling responsibilities across several phases against the Spin Doctors.
Savouge completed the victory after two hours and one minute, extending its winning streak to four consecutive Invitational Conference matches. The Spin Doctors next face NU-Archipelago Builders, while AFP concludes its conference campaign against FEU-DN Steel on Thursday.
Eusebio Moves From Libero to Setter
Eusebio’s emergency setting assignment provided AFP with 14 excellent sets while the Cavaliers operated with only eight available players. His positional adjustment accompanied Salvador and Pagulong’s combined 44 points as AFP pushed Savouge through four competitive sets.
Analytical Breakdown: Savouge Needs Sharper Execution Against NU
Savouge’s biggest concern was losing execution sharpness after controlling two sets, allowing an undermanned AFP squad to extend the match. Fatigue can disrupt serving accuracy and blocking discipline before obvious physical decline appears, making Savouge’s rotation management increasingly important. Resting regular starters could benefit Savouge against NU, especially if second-unit players carry their competitive confidence into tougher situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Savouge-AFP final score?
Savouge defeated AFP 25-22, 25-17, 32-34, 25-23 during their 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference matchup.
Who led Savouge against AFP?
Mark Calado led Savouge with 26 points and seven digs, including 24 successful attacks and two blocks.
How many straight games has Savouge won?
Savouge extended its winning streak to four consecutive matches following Tuesday’s four-set Invitational Conference victory over AFP.
Who led AFP against Savouge?
Pol Salvador scored 24 points, while Alfred Pagulong contributed 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and six digs.
Who will Savouge play next?
Savouge will pursue its fifth consecutive victory against NU-Archipelago Builders on Sunday at the Filoil Centre.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN’s Website.
