Manila: For anchoring Savouge's surge heading into the Spikers' Turf Open Conference semifinals, Mark Frederick Calado was chosen as Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of March 24 to 27. His consistency and steady presence on offense allowed the Spin Doctors to build momentum with a four-game winning streak before plunging in the Final Four.
According to Philippines News Agency, Calado scored 16 points in leading Savouge to a 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21 victory over the AEP-Cabstars last Friday. Against VNS Always Bright Laticrete, he contributed 10 points in their 25-21, 25-23, 25-20 win on March 24. Calado beat teammate JP Bugaoan, last week's winner, Criss Cross' Alche Gupiteo, Cabstars' Jay Rack De La Noche, and EJ Casana for the recognition deliberated by print and online media covering the country's premier men's volleyball league, organized by Sports Vision.
The Far Eastern University graduate underscored the need to improve as the Spin Doctors brace for a tough round-robin semis. "In our elimination campaign, of course, it was difficult to say the least. But we still have a lot to improve on, especially since we lost to Criss Cross twice," Calado said in a news release Monday. "Then we really shouldn't have dropped. Because when our game drops, especially now that we're in the semis and we're really getting beat up. Of course, the pressure is probably there, it's really there. So hopefully, we can improve on what we need to do, especially in our service and passing and then blocking," he added.
Calado expressed confidence in Savouge's potential to advance into the biggest stage for a shot at the elusive crown. "I'm confident because everyone contributes to our team. That's why we really trust each other, that's really there," he said. The Spin Doctors fell short of a podium finish in the 2025 Invitational. They settled for the bronze medal in the 2025 Open Conference and 2024 Invitational Conference.
"We really need to win. And of course, maybe the need to work together, that's my biggest motivation right now. And hopefully, we can make it to the championship," he added.
