Cabstars Edge Protectors for Early Semifinal Lead

AEP-Cabstars bounced back from an early setback and displayed remarkable poise in crucial moments to defeat Alpha Insurance in four sets, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 29-27, marking an exciting start to the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference semifinals on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.

After losing the opening set, the Cabstars regained their composure, taking control of the next two sets. They leaned on Jared Schnake, Jay Rack De La Noche, and debutant Dave Lardizabal to fend off a late surge from the Protectors in a gripping fourth set, earning a 1-0 record in the round-robin semifinals of the tournament presented by Sports Vision.

“Our team chemistry really played a big part in this win. The outcome of our team building was great. We got to know each other better, and the players are skillful, so that’s the biggest factor behind our success today,” said AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.

The Protectors made a strong push in the fourth set, having struggled in the previous two. They even took a 24-23 lead after Jau Umandal and Don Nadera powered a 3-1 run to erase a 22-20 deficit, briefly shifting momentum in their favor.

However, Nadera, who had scored the pivotal through-the-block hit to put them on the brink of forcing a fifth set, committed a service error at a critical moment. Nas Gwaza then blocked Umandal’s attack to put the Cabstars back on top at 25-24.

The set continued with both teams exchanging points, and the score tied at 27-all after Schnake’s perfect drop shot and a Gwaza service error kept Alpha Insurance’s hopes alive.

Lardizabal, in his debut for the Cabstars, scored with a running attack before De La Noche sealed the win with a timely block on Edward Camposano, completing the hard-fought victory after one hour and 52 minutes.

"I’m really happy to contribute what we’ve trained for, and I’m so glad they welcomed me even though it’s already the semifinals," said Lardizabal, who hails from Letran.

Schnake was outstanding, scoring 23 points with 22 attacks and one ace, plus 14 excellent receptions, leading the Cabstars in their win despite the absence of Vince Abrot.

De La Noche added 14 points and seven excellent digs, while Gwaza also contributed 14 points, including four of the team’s 12 kill blocks. Lardizabal finished with 12 points in the key win.

EJ Casana provided 21 excellent sets along with three points, while Vince Lorenzo recorded 14 excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions.

The Cabstars will return to action on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil Centre, aiming to claim a second consecutive win in the semifinals when they face Savouge.

On the other side, Umandal led the Protectors with 14 points, while middle blockers Nathaniel Del Pilar and Billie Anima added 13 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss.

Alpha Insurance will look to bounce back against top-ranked Criss Cross on Friday at 5 p.m.