Photo: Spikers' Turf

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

Savouge edged closer to a breakthrough finals berth after bouncing back from a slow start to turn back AEP-Cabstars in four sets, 25-27, 25-15, 25-19, 25-16, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals on Friday at the Filoil Centre.

The Spin Doctors shrugged off a first-set setback and took control the rest of the way, dispatching the Cabstars to climb to 2-0 in the standings—with a Criss Cross win later against Alpha Insurance formally sealing their finals berth.

“Nag-stick lang kami sa sistema and sabi ko lang prepared sa drop balls and kung ano yung approach ng spikers nila sa kabila,” said head coach Sydney Calderon.

Photo: Spikers' Turf

“So second set, nag-adjust kami. Sabi ko hindi puwedeng puro drop ball, dapat lagyan namin sila ng pressure and ayun nag sunod-sunod na,” Calderon added.

Mark Calado exploded for 28 points on 23 attacks and five kill blocks for Savouge, who was coming off a massive victory over erstwhile unbeaten King Crunchers last Wednesday.

JP Bugaoan added 16 points built on nine attacks and seven blocks, while Louie Ramirez chipped in 13 points on 10 spikes and three rejections.

Vince Imperial, who played big in their semis debut win against Criss Cross, continued to bla bla bla with 21 excellent sets to go along with six big points, while Rikko Marmeto impressed with 21-of-29 excellent receptions and 7-of-10 excellent digs.

The Spin Doctors will finish its semifinals campaign against the Protectors on Sunday at the same venue.

Photo: Spikers' Turf

Meanwhile, Jay Rack Dela Noche paced AEP-Cabstars, who slid to 1-1, with 18 points, while Jared Schnake was held to 13 points on 13-of-41 attacks after exploding for 23 points in their recent win over Alpha Insurance..

The Cabstars remain in Finals contention but must win their final game against the King Crunchers also on Sunday.