Putting the sting of a previous shutout loss behind them, Alpha Insurance returned to training with renewed focus and determination and its hard work paid off, repeating over 3B, 25-20, 25-14, 25-19, to solidify its hold on the third spot in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the FilOil Playtime Centre Friday.
The victory improved the Protectors’ record to 4-3, pushing them ahead of AEP-Cabstars (3-3) and handing the Event Masters their fifth defeat against two wins in the heated three-team race for the final two semifinal slots.
Unbeaten Criss Cross (6–0) and second-running Savouge (4–1) appear poised to secure the first two berths in the Final Four.
“Galing kami sa talo so kahit papaano maganda ‘yung ipinakita ng players. Nung natalo kami, sabi ko back to zero tayo. Kailangan natin bakbakin ulit sa ensayo so nagfocus kami sa training at buti maganda naman ang ipinakita ngayon,” said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos after the 74-minute battle.
Jau Umandal, JM Apolinario, and Wesley Cajolo combined for six unanswered points to propel the Protectors to their biggest lead, 19-9, in the third set.
However, the Event Masters refused to give up rallied behind Vincent Ramos, Kenneth Daynata, Louise Bartolome and Christian Olaes, threatening at 19-23 on a 10-4 counter run.
But Bonjomar Castel made a service error, halting 3B’s momentum and paving the way for Cajolo to drill a sharp kill from the pipe for the bounce-back win in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Black Mamba, Premiere EMS, and ArenaPlus.
JM Ronquillo led the balanced attack of Alpha Insurance, which bowed to Criss Cross last Wednesday, with 12 points, including a game-high six blocks with five attacks and an ace.
Edward Camposano contributed nine points and 14-of-19 excellent receptions while skipper Jeff Abuniawan scored seven points as head coach Santos utilized all his 14 players.
Alpha Insurance, which also routed 3B in three in the first round, will have a much-needed six-day break before returning to action against Savouge Aesthetics next Friday.
Ramos paced the Event Masters with 10 points and five digs while Carl Berdal added nine points and 12 excellent receptions.
3B will try to revive its semis hopes against Savouge on Wednesday.
