Spin Doctors Complete Semifinals Sweep with Dominant Win

Savouge secured their spot in the Finals by completing a semifinal sweep with a straight-sets victory over Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-15, 26-24, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday night at the Filoil Centre.

The Spin Doctors finished the round-robin semifinals with a perfect 3-0 record, earning the top seed as they prepare for their first-ever Finals appearance against Criss Cross, who finished second with a 2-1 record. The best-of-three series begins Wednesday at 5 p.m.

“Before we took the court today, I reminded the players how important it was to finish the semifinals strong,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon. “We wanted to sweep it and carry that momentum into the Finals.”

After comfortably winning the first two sets, Savouge faced a tougher challenge from Alpha Insurance, led by Jau Umandal, in the third. Despite the resistance, the Spin Doctors managed to close out the match in a tightly contested 69-minute battle.

Umandal pushed the match to deuce, tying the game at 23 and 24, but Mark Calado stepped up when it mattered. Calado broke the deadlock with a sharp down-the-line hit and then sealed the victory for Savouge with a crucial touch play at the net.

“We’ve practiced situations like this,” Calderon explained. “We know where to give the ball, how to execute, and how to handle tight moments.”

JP Bugaoan, Hero Austria, and Mark Calado each contributed nine points to lead the Spin Doctors, while Caritativo added eight points and 15 excellent receptions in a well-rounded attack that kept Alpha Insurance on their toes throughout the match.

Vince Imperial also chipped in 12 excellent sets, while Rikko Marmeto contributed 12 excellent receptions.

For Alpha Insurance, Umandal led with 13 points, while Edward Camposano posted a double-double of 12 points and 18 excellent receptions in a losing effort. The Protectors finished their semifinals run winless at 0-3 and will now face AEP-Cabstars in the bronze series.