Kindai University leaned on Ryutaro Aun, Haruka Misugi and Yoshiki Yasuda to turn back Savouge Aesthetics, 25-16, 26-28, 25-20, 25-18, and secure a spot in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference finals on Thursday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Japanese guest team rebounded after its first loss of the tournament last Tuesday against Cignal, closing the semifinals at 4-1. Kindai U will face Criss Cross in the championship match on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The King Crunchers, who dropped only one match-against Kindai last weekend-will try to even the score.
‘We’re really happy to be in the championship game. Savouge was really strong, I felt like they really wanted to win this, so I reminded my players to keep their hearts stronger,’ Kindai coach Hideyuki Mitsuyama said through an interpreter.
With Kindai up 19-17 in the fourth set, Misugi and Aun strung together five straight points to bring the team to match point. Shawie Caritativo answered with a block-out hit, but Yasuda closed it with a pipe attack, making Kindai the first guest team to reach the Spikers’ Turf finals.
Aun led with 23 points, Misugi added 22 on 19 attacks, two blocks and an ace, while Yasuda delivered 18 points, 17 receptions and seven digs.
Savouge will face Cignal for bronze on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Mark Calado fired 23 points for the Spin Doctors, while Caritativo added 14 points, six blocks and 27 receptions. Reymark Betco chipped in nine, but middle blocker Giles Torres was held to three.