Spin Doctors stage stunning comeback to down Protectors

Savouge Aesthetics staged a remarkable turnaround, overcoming a two-set deficit to topple Alpha Insurance, 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 15-9, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan on Friday.

The Spin Doctors, now riding a two-game winning streak, improved their record to 6-2, holding solo second place in the standings.

“Nung third set, sinabi ko lang sa kanila na huwag tayong magpagulpi. Lumaban tayo! Hindi tayo pinalaki ng Sexbomb na hindi tayo lalaban. Kaya kumuha lang tayo ng momentum sa third and fourth set, dire-diretso na yan,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.

Trailing after losing the first two sets, Calderon made key lineup adjustments, moving Mark Calado to outside spiker and inserting Joeven Dela Vega as opposite. The switch paid off, helping the Spin Doctors swing the momentum and push the match to a decisive fifth set.

The final frame was a nail-biter, with Savouge holding a slim 10-9 lead late. Shawie Caritativo then took over, scoring three consecutive points in a 5-0 run that sealed the victory after one hour and 50 minutes of play.

Middle blocker JP Bugaoan led the Spin Doctors with a team-high 17 points, tallying 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Dela Vega added 12 points, Calado contributed 11, and Giles Torres chipped in 10. Caritativo finished with nine points, 20 excellent receptions, and six digs.

Savouge capitalized on Alpha Insurance’s 32 unforced errors, nearly double their own 18 mistakes. JM Ronquillo paced the Protectors with 16 points, while Edward Camposano and Billie Anima added 15 each.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday at the Paco Arena, with Savouge facing VNS Always Bright Laticrete at 1 p.m., followed by Alpha Insurance versus AEP Cabstars at 3 p.m.