AEP-Cabstars overcame a third-set stumble to defeat Alpha Insurance, 25-17, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, and claim solo third place in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Tuesday afternoon at the Paco Arena in Manila.
In a clash between semifinal-bound squads, the Cabstars’ depth proved too much for a Protectors side playing without middle blocker Billie Anima.
A joint effort from Jayrack De La Noche and Jared Schnake powered AEP to their second consecutive win in the tournament, organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premiere EMS.
Beyond avenging their first-round loss to Alpha last February 25, the Cabstars also secured solo third place in the six-team field with a 5-4 record. They now face a crucial showdown against second-placed Savouge to close the preliminaries this Friday at the same Manila venue.
“Mas okay na standing namin kasi magandang panalo yung today, yung composure rin ng mga bata maganda para madala namin ito sa next game namin against Savouge… I think may mas mailalabas pa yung mga bata kasi parang two weeks lang din kaming nabuo. Yung preparation namin sa upcoming games namin, and lalo na yung chemistry, mas maganda kasi if bonded yung players,” Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta said.
After giving up 10 errors in a lopsided third-set loss, the Cabstars bounced back quickly, breaking an 11-all tie in the fourth frame to take a three-point cushion at 16-13, fueled by a Paul Malaiba off-the-block attack and a De La Noche crosscourt hit.
The Protectors mounted a final stand, rallying with a clutch 6-3 run capped by a 1-2 play from Jerome Lopez and consecutive hits from Edward Camposano and Ranz Cajolo to tie the fourth set at 19-all.
However, the Cabstars dashed Alpha’s hopes of forcing a fifth set, closing the match with a 6-1 run highlighted by two Nas Gwaza attacks, a Schnake block on JM Ronquillo, and a crucial Protectors’ miscommunication error, securing a four-set victory in one hour and 37 minutes.
De La Noche led the Cabstars with 21 points on 20 attacks, while Schnake added 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Gwaza contributed 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks, and Michael Doria chipped in 10 points.
Former national team setter EJ Casana orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets and a game-high four blocks, while Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 17 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions.
The Protectors slipped to their second straight loss, dropping to solo fourth place with a 4-5 record ahead of their final elimination round game against VNS Always Bright Laticrete at the same venue.
Cajolo led Alpha with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Camposano added 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, one ace, and 11 excellent receptions. JJ Javelona contributed nine points, and former De La Salle University middle blocker Nat del Pilar chipped in seven points.
