Cabstars sweep Event Masters, clinch semis spot

AEP-Cabstars punched their way into the semifinals of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after sweeping 3B, 25-23, 25-13, 25-23, on Friday at the Filoil Centre.

The victory allowed the Cabstars to climb to a 4-4 record, enough to secure a spot in the next round, while dealing a crushing blow to the fifth-running Event Masters, who dropped to 2-7 and fell out of semifinal contention.

The result also sealed a semifinals berth for Alpha Insurance, with the next phase set to follow a round-robin format and all team records reset.

AEP head coach Kitty Antiporta credited their bounce-back performance to key adjustments following a previous setback.

“Actually bad loss kami last Wednesday against Criss Cross so nag-adjust lang kami sa kung paano namin lalaruin ‘yung game against 3B. Maganda ‘yung huddle namin kanina, napagusapan namin kung ano yung gagawin namin today,” she said.

After a dominant second set by the Cabstars, 3B showed resilience in the third, keeping pace in a tight exchange that saw the score tied at 22-all.

AEP, however, delivered in the clutch, with Jared Schnake stepping up as a playmaker in an out-of-system sequence to set up Jay Rack Dela Noche for a crucial hit.

An attack error by Axel Defeo then handed the Cabstars match point.

Though Paul Malaiba misfired on the serve in the next rally, Schnake quickly made up for it, unloading a crosscourt spike to seal the straight-sets victory in one hour and 13 minutes.

Dela Noche led AEP with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, along with seven digs, while Schnake added 12 markers.

Vince Lorenzo also shone on the defensive end, tallying 19 excellent receptions out of 26 attempts along with four digs.

The Cabstars will next take on Alpha Insurance on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.

On the other side, JV Ramos paced 3B with 11 points, while Christian Olaes and Defeo chipped in 10 apiece.

The Event Masters will wrap up their maiden campaign in the tournament next Friday against Criss Cross, hoping to end on a high note and hand the King Crunchers their first loss.