AEP-Cabstars and Alpha Insurance clash in a rare Tuesday Spikers’ Turf schedule for more than just third spot, with both squads seeking a crucial boost heading into the semifinals of the Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila.
With identical urgency and everything to play for, the Cabstars and the Protectors collide in the 1 p.m. opener, each eyeing momentum, confidence, and solo possession of the No. 3 spot in the penultimate prelims playdate.
AEP enters the match riding high after a dominant 73-minute sweep of 3B last Friday – a victory that also completed the semis cast. Anchored on the solid performances of Jay Rack de la Noche, Vince Abrot, EJ Casana, Nas Gwaza and Vince Lorenzo, the team looks to reassert its mastery over Alpha Insurance following a straight-sets win in their first-round encounter last Feb. 25.
But Alpha Insurance is equally determined to bounce back.
Still reeling from a heartbreaking reverse-sweep loss to the Savouge Spin Doctors, the Protectors – powered by JM Ronquillo, Billie Anima, and Edward Camposano – are going all-out to regain their winning form and rebuild confidence ahead of the Final Four.
A victory by either side not only secures solo third place at 5-4 but also provides a valuable psychological edge entering the round-robin semis, with just one elimination game day remaining.
“Magsa-sacrifice rin kami, at aaralin namin kung ano ang gagawin namin sa next game… Siguro i-polish pa namin yung weaknesses namin, tapos yung mga strengths, papalakasin. Tapos pag-aaralan namin yung makakalaban namin,” said Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.
In the 3 p.m. match, Savouge aims to tighten its grip on second place as it takes on winless VNS Always Bright Laticrete.
Coming off a stirring reverse-sweep victory over Alpha Insurance, Savouge mentor Sydney Calderon hopes Shawie Caritativo, JP Bugaoan, Mark Calado, and Giles Torres can sustain their top form and carry that momentum into the post-elims play.
“Maganda yung laban na ganito. First time ko ulit kabahan ngayong season… Napakaimportante nung nangyari sa amin kasi that will be like a test kung paano kami magre-react,” Calderon said, emphasizing the value of their comeback win.
Meanwhile, VNS Always Bright Laticrete remains in search of its first victory, banking on Jerzy Santos, Terrence Marticion, and Winfred Santos to finally break through.
Towering above the field, powerhouse Criss Cross continues to dominate with a pristine 9-0 record, with the King Crunchers looking poised to complete a sweep of the elimination round – and possibly the entire tournament.
