Alpha Insurance gave newcomer AEP-Cabstars a rude welcome, carving out a 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 victory to open its campaign in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.
The Protectors entered the match wary of the unknown. Across the net was a retooled Cabstars side bolstered by talent with experience from Cignal that demanded respect and careful scouting. Alpha Insurance took time to assess the newcomers’ weapons in a tight opening set, staying within striking distance before asserting control late.
Once they found their rhythm, however, the Protectors imposed their system and discipline. Their steady floor defense and calculated attacks took the sting out of the Cabstars’ challenge, allowing Alpha Insurance to dominate the next two frames and complete the straight-sets win in one hour and 20 minutes in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Actually, nagkagulo nung first set kasi hindi rin namin alam ‘yung igagalaw talaga ng Cabstars. Pero fortunately, ‘yung ginamit ko nung first set ‘yung original lineup namin so kahit papaano na-control namin,” said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos.
JM Ronquillo, who moved to the squad along with Jau Umandal and Cian Silang following Cignal’s decision to take a leave of absence for this conference, quickly showed his worth as he came off the bench to fire a team-high 12 points on 11 attacks and one kill block.
Edward Camposano scored nine points in two sets, while Ranz Cajolo and Rommelito Baptista added seven and six points, respectively, in the straight-set win. Billie Anima and Umandal contributed five points apiece.
Alpha Insurance dominated the attacking department, 43-32, and capitalized on the Cabstars’ glaring 25 errors to gain some kind of momentum ahead of its clash with Invitational Conference champion Criss Cross in the tournament, supported by Black Mamba, Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus and Premiere EMS.
The Protectors will take on the King Crunchers on Friday, 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Cabstars showed early promise but struggled to maintain their momentum. They unraveled in the next two sets, undone by a string of unforced errors, and ultimately fell short against a more composed and disciplined Alpha Insurance side.
Jay Rack De La Noche and Vince Abrot, both former Super Spikers, led the team with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, fellow ex-Cignal standouts EJ Casana and Vince Lorenzo made their presence felt on both ends of the floor. Casana dished out 14 excellent sets, added four points, and recorded three excellent digs, while Lorenzo anchored the defense with 18 excellent receptions.
The Cabstars will try to bounce back when they go up against VNS VNS Always Bright Laticrete, also on Friday at 3 p.m.
