Cabstars Secure Bronze After Dominating Protectors in Series Sweep

EJ Casaña showcased a brilliant playmaking performance as AEP-Cabstars clinched the 2026 Open Conference bronze medal in their return to the Spikers’ Turf, defeating Alpha Insurance in Game 2, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, to complete a series sweep on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Formed just two weeks before the tournament, which was organized by Sports Vision, the Cabstars peaked at the perfect moment, securing third place after also winning Game 1 in convincing fashion, 26-24, 25-23, 25-20.

“We’re very happy because this is our first appearance, and we earned a bronze right away. Despite being formed only two weeks before the tournament, the best part is that we kept improving. This is the best result for the team—despite what happened in earlier games, we showed resilience,” said AEP head coach Kitty Antiporta.

Though they trailed for most of the third set, the Cabstars rallied to tie the score at 22-22 and closed the gap to 23-24 after a quick kill from Nas Gwaza. Unfortunately, a service error by Jay Rack Dela Noche gave the Protectors a chance to extend the set.

In the fourth set, AEP tightened their game, making smarter decisions down the stretch. Jay Rack Dela Noche and Jared Schnake, the team’s primary hitters, delivered the final two points, securing both the win and the bronze after 1 hour and 44 minutes.

“This is a huge boost for us as a team. Our morale is high going into the next conference, and I hope we learned a lot this time around. I hope we carry this bronze with us to the next conference,” said Casaña, who tallied 39 excellent sets.

Dela Noche led the Cabstars with 23 points, including 22 attacks and seven excellent digs, while Schnake contributed 14 points and 14-of-20 excellent receptions. Gwaza added 12 points, and Vince Lorenzo chipped in with 28 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs.

This was only the Cabstars’ second appearance in the Spikers’ Turf, having first joined during the 2023 Invitational Conference.

Wesley Cajolo led Alpha Insurance with 22 points, including 19 attacks, two aces, and a block. Rommel Baptista followed with 12 points, 26 receptions, and seven digs. The Protectors, who were missing regulars JM Ronquillo and Nathaniel Del Pilar, settled for fourth place—still their best finish in three conference appearances.