The Savouge Spin Doctors banked on Reymark Betco’s explosive debut and strong team execution to notch its first win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
After a shaky start to their campaign, Savouge roared back into contention with a hard-earned four-set win over debuting Far Eastern University-DN Steel, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday, October 29, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Reymark Betco, who sat out the team’s opening loss, made an immediate impact in his first appearance, firing 21 points to steer the Spin Doctors to their first win of the tournament.
“Malaking bagay na na-add sa’min si Betco kasi napaka-power na addition sa team namin,” said head coach Sydney Calderon. “Gusto niyang maglaro nung first game, kaso marami kaming games this week. Sabi ko gagamitin kita sa FEU.”
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Refusing to let another game slip away, Savouge tightened its defense and composure in the fourth set. Betco sparked a crucial 3-0 run that turned a slim 20-19 lead into a 23-19 cushion, setting up the finish.
FEU’s Charles Absin momentarily stopped the bleeding with a kill, but Charlee Magpayo answered with a quick attack to push Savouge to match point.
Mark Calado’s back-row attempt clipped the net, giving the Tamaraws a brief reprieve before Shawie Caritativo ended the rally with a soft off-speed hit to secure the win after one hour and 45 minutes of play.
“Yesterday nag-training kami, kinundisyon namin ‘yung mga bata,” Calderon shared. “Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘yung pagkatalo namin nung first game doesn’t define who we are. Mas maganda ‘yung comeback game.’”
Calado backed Betco’s scoring explosion with 15 points built on 13 attacks, a block, and an ace, while Caritativo provided all-around brilliance with 10 points, 20 excellent receptions, and eight digs.
Setter JM Paglaon, returning from a one-game absence, ran the offense smoothly with 29 excellent sets and chipped in two points, helping the Spin Doctors dismantle FEU’s tall frontline that registered 13 kill blocks.
Giles Torres added 10 points, while Rikko Marmetto anchored the floor defense with 17 receptions and eight digs.
Savouge improved to 1-1 in the standings and will aim to sustain its momentum against the University of Santo Tomas on Friday at 4 p.m., still at the Paco Arena.
Despite the loss, Dryx Saavedra led the way for FEU-DN Steel with 19 points, while Christian Paul Salboro and Lirick Mendoza added 13 apiece.
The Tamaraws will look to regroup when they face PGJC-Navy on Friday at 2 p.m. in the same venue.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.