Savouge, La Salle aim to stay alive

Savouge and EcoOil La Salle will try to boost their bid for the final semifinal berth when they collide in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference today at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Action is set at 6 p.m. following the battle between semifinalist Cignal and PGJC Navy in the 4 p.m. first encounter of this highly-crucial double-header.

Both the Spin Doctors and the Green Oilers began their campaigns with strong sweeps in their first four games but stumbled with consecutive losses in recent matches.

Savouge has since regained its footing with a win over the ousted D’Navigators last Sunday, while the Green Oilers are still reeling from three-straight losses, including against the HD Spikers, the DN Steel FEU Ultras and the Criss Cross King Crunchers.

A victory by Savouge — whether in straight sets or a grueling five-set duel — will eliminate La Salle-EcoOil from contention, regardless of the results of their final elimination round games on Sunday.

The Spin Doctors bounced back from a two-game losing streak with a crucial three-set triumph over the D’Navigators in their previous outing, restoring their confidence heading into this pivotal matchup.

In contrast, the Green Oilers have faced a challenging stretch but remain optimistic about mounting a strong comeback to keep their semis hopes alive.

“I’m telling them that our game against D’Navigators is very important to restore our pride before our game against La Salle,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon.

A win for La Salle-EcoOil, however, will create an even more intriguing scenario heading into the final day of eliminations. On Sunday, the Green Oilers will clash with the VNS Griffins, while the Spin Doctors take on the Criss Cross King Crunchers, in games that will determine the last semis spot.

For Savouge, their fate is partly in their hands but also hinges on the outcome of another crucial matchup.

Should Cignal triumph over Navy in the first game and Savouge secure a victory over the Green Oilers, they will clinch the final semis slot in the league supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.