Alpha Insurance moved closer to a semifinals berth after securing a hard-earned four-set victory over ClearSkiiin, 26-24, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Protectors continued their surge, extending their winning streak to five games and improving to 6-2 to claim solo second place as the semifinals race heats up in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Alpha Insurance now needs just one more victory to join Criss Cross in the semifinals. The Protectors will face Far Eastern University-DN Steel in their final elimination-round assignment on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
“First of all, very proud ako sa mga players kasi they rose up to the occasion,” said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos. “Kasi nung nanalo kami nung first set, very close fight. Nung second set, malayo ang score. So sabi ko kailangan nating baguhin ‘yung tempo.”
“Kailangan natin mag-relax, kailangan nating kalmahin ‘yung sarili natin na hindi tayo manggigil sa mga sitwasyon na mangyayari, so very proud ako kasi nakinig naman sila, at the same time nag-respond sila ng tama,” he added.
EJ Casaña's playmaking and leadership stood out amid the heated encounter, which saw both squads exchange banter throughout the match. He tallied 28 excellent sets and two points for the Protectors.
Axel Van Book spearheaded the attack with 21 points, while also recording 23 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. JJ Javelona chipped in 17 points on 15 attacks and two kill blocks.
Vince Himzon added nine points, while Barbie San Andres contributed on both ends with seven points and 16 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, ClearSkiiin slipped to 4-3 and must sweep its remaining assignments against National University-Archipelago Builders and Savouge while hoping for favorable results in its rivals' remaining games to keep its top-four hopes alive.
Renzel Antonio led the way for the UV Smashers with 14 points and 13 excellent receptions, while JM Ronquillo, who did not see action in the fourth set, still finished with 12 markers.
Kilint Mateo dished out 19 excellent sets and three points, while Bhim Diones recorded 17 excellent digs.
ClearSkiiin will take on NU next on Wednesday at 5 p.m. as it looks to revive its slim semifinals hopes.
