Strong start for Louis Gamban and the Savouge Spin Doctors as they win against the 3B Event Masters in straight sets to start the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
The new-look Savouge Spin Doctors flexed their muscle in emphatic fashion, sweeping 3B, 25-15, 25-17, 25-20, to cap the favored teams’ dominant opening-day run in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Wednesday night at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.
Reinforced by former Cignal standouts JP Bugaoan and Louie Ramirez, Savouge showcased depth, balance and firepower that the Event Masters could not contain, quickly establishing themselves as a serious title contender in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Ramirez paced a well-distributed attack with nine points, while Shawie Caritativo, Mark Calado, Louis Gamban and Bugaoan added seven markers apiece in the one-hour, 20-minute romp.
Savouge imposed its will early, overpowering 3B in all scoring fronts. The Spin Doctors unloaded a 41-29 advantage in attacks, dominated the net with a 13-4 edge in blocks, and posted a 3-1 margin in service aces to underscore their superiority.
Head coach Sydney Calderon welcomed the strong start but stressed that the team remains a work in progress.
“So far, konting push na lang kami sa jelling nila, but I’m happy kung ano ‘yung naging performance nila this game,” said Calderon, noting that chemistry continues to improve with the integration of the former Cignal aces.
Despite the lopsided victory, Calderon was quick to caution his wards against complacency.
“Happy ako sa performance nila kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung sabi ko na we treat every team equally. Bago man or ‘yung mga mainstay dito sa Spikers’ Turf, nandun ‘yung respect namin sa lahat ng teams,” he added.
With the win, Savouge joined Alpha Insurance and Criss Cross at the top of the early standings after the Protectors and King Crunchers also scored straight-set victories over the AEP-Cabstars and VNS Griffins, respectively.
Carl Berdal stood as the lone bright spot for 3B with 14 points built on 13 attacks and one block, along with four excellent digs. Bonjomar Castel and Israel Encina chipped in six points each.
3B will try to bounce back when it faces VNS Always Bright Laticrete on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.