Cabstars Edge Closer to Bronze with Sweep of Protectors

AEP-Cabstars battled past Alpha Insurance, securing a 26-24, 25-23, 25-20 sweep to move within striking distance of the bronze medal in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.

After narrowly winning the first two sets, the Cabstars looked poised for another tight contest in the third. However, they turned up the intensity down the stretch, launching a decisive run to seal Game 1 of the third-place series.

Trailing 17-18 late in the third set, the Cabstars showed resilience, with Dave Lardizabal, Jay Rack De La Noche, and Nas Gwaza leading an 8-2 surge to finish strong. This victory brought them closer to their first-ever podium finish in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

"Maganda pinakita ng mga bata. Siguro nag-decide lang kami na gusto naming manalo this Game 1, so pinakita lang nila kung ano ‘yung kapasidad nila bilang isang player kaya naging maganda ‘yung result,” said AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.

“Nakakalungkot kasi hindi kami pumasok ng Finals, pero okay lang ‘yun kasi marami kaming natutunan dun at sa mga games namin na nadala namin this game,” he added.

De La Noche was the standout performer, scoring 20 points from 18 attacks, one block, one ace, and adding seven excellent digs in the one-hour, 26-minute match.

Jared Schnake contributed 13 points and nine excellent receptions, while Lardizabal chipped in with 10 points, including seven attacks, two kill blocks, and one service ace. Paul Malaiba and Gwaza added eight points each.

EJ Casana played a key role in setting up the offense, registering 28 excellent sets, while Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.

The Cabstars will aim to secure a podium finish when they face Alpha Insurance in Game 2 on Friday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Protectors suffered their fourth consecutive loss of the season, with Jau Umandal leading Alpha Insurance with 15 points. Edward Camposano added 13 points and 17 excellent receptions.

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