Savouge overcame injuries to Shawie Caritativo and Lorenz Señoron to edge Alpha Insurance in a grueling five-set battle, 25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 15-13, securing a bounce-back win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Spin Doctors suffered a major setback in the second set when Lorenz Señoron went down with a left ankle injury. Their woes deepened early in the fifth when Shawie Caritativo sustained the same injury after an awkward landing from a block attempt.

Despite the adversity, Savouge leaned on crucial performances from Mark Calado, Angelo Reyes and Hero Austria to fend off the upset-seeking Protectors and improve to a 2-1 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

“I was a little bit sad and nervous when Lorenz Señoron got injured. Then Shawie also went down. But it’s okay. At least we were able to survive,” Spin Doctors head coach Sydney Calderon said.

“I’m happy with the result. A win is a win — that’s the most important thing.”

Trailing 9-8 in the decisive set, Savouge took control after capitalizing on Alpha Insurance’s errors. Reyes delivered a momentum-shifting spike off an over-receive, giving his team an 11-9 advantage.

JJ Javelona momentarily stopped the bleeding for Alpha Insurance with a cross-court hit, but Calado responded with a clutch combination play and a powerful spike through three blockers, restoring a 13-10 cushion for Savouge.

The Protectors made one last push as Ranz Cajolo and Edward Camposano delivered back-to-back hits to trim the gap to 13-12. However, Calado once again came through with a crucial through-the-block hit, bringing Savouge to match point at 14-12.

BJ Anima saved one match point, but Austria — who stepped in for Caritativo early in the decider — sealed the hard-fought win with an off-the-block hit, closing the two-hour and 11-minute thriller in this tournament also supported by Arena Plus and Mikasa.

Caritativo led the way with 17 points, tallying 13 attacks, two service aces, and two blocks while also contributing 19 excellent receptions and four excellent digs in an all-around effort.

Calado, who came off the bench in the third but started in the remaining sets, finished with 14 points, while Reyes and Louis Gamban chipped in nine each. Giles Torres added eight markers.

John Michael Paglaon orchestrated Savouge’s offense with 12 excellent sets and two points, while Rikko Marmeto provided stability on defense with 15 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.

Savouge aims for a second straight win when they face Criss Cross on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.