AEP-Cabstars checked a two-game skid with a convincing 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 victory over 3B, closing out its first round assignment on a high note in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Sunday at the Filoil Playtime Centre.
The Cabstars, reeling from back-to-back losses against title contenders Criss Cross and Savouge, improved to 2-3 to stay at fourth place heading into the final phase of the two-round eliminations of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Maganda para sa amin ‘yung panalo na ‘to. Na-gain namin ‘yung composure namin, so every game kasi short kami lagi. So kanina bago nag-start, nag-huddle kami. Maganda ‘yung huddle namin, that’s why kaya kami nanalo,” said AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.
EJ Casaña starred in the win, delivering 18 excellent sets as he orchestrated a balanced offensive attack that powered the Cabstars back to the win column.
Jay Rack De La Noche sustained his consistent performance with a game-high 17 points built on 15 attacks and two blocks. He also finished with six excellent receptions, while Jared Schnake added 15 points from 14 attacks and one block in just his second game with the team.
Vince Abrot tallied 12 markers, including two aces, while Nas Gwaza posted eight points. Vince Lorenzo added 15 excellent receptions in their one-hour, 17-minute triumph in the tourney backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
The Cabstars converted 48 of their 103 attack attempts to control the match from start to finish. They also held a 6-4 edge in blocks and a 3-1 advantage in service aces.
AEP-Cabstars will gun for back-to-back wins against the Event Masters anew on Friday, 3 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, 3B absorbed its third consecutive loss to fall to 1-4.
Carl Berdal paced the Event Masters with 10 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Israel Encina contributed nine points.
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