AEP-Cabstars survive Alpha Insurance in five-set Spikers’ Turf semifinals thriller

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AEP-Cabstars opened their Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals campaign with a hard-fought five-set victory over Alpha Insurance, surviving a tense 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 29-27 win at the Filoil Centre on Wednesday. The Cabstars were pushed to the limit in a match defined by momentum swings, long rallies, and high-pressure finishes.

After dropping the opening set, AEP-Cabstars regrouped and steadily improved their floor defense and ball distribution. Their adjustments in transition allowed them to control the tempo in the second and third sets.

Jared Schnake leads the Cabstars with a strong all-around performance. [Spikers Turf photo]

Alpha Insurance responded with resilience and forced the match into a dramatic fourth-set battle. The Protectors capitalized on errors and pushed the frame deep into extra points.

Cabstars survive fourth-set chaos to complete comeback

Alpha Insurance reached set point at 24-23 after key plays from Jau Umandal and Don Nadera. A costly service error from Nadera allowed AEP-Cabstars to level the set and extend the contest.

Both teams traded points in a tense sequence that stretched the set to 27-all. Every rally carried pressure as neither side could pull away.

Nas Gwaza delivered a crucial block to give Cabstars the edge at a key moment. Jared Schnake followed with a composed finish before Dave Lardizabal delivered the decisive attack, and Jay Rack De La Noche sealed the set with a clutch block.

Balanced attack powers AEP-Cabstars’ win

Schnake led AEP-Cabstars with 23 points built on 22 attacks and an ace, along with 14 excellent receptions. De La Noche and Gwaza added 14 points each, with Gwaza contributing four blocks.

Lardizabal added 12 points in a strong debut under semifinal pressure. EJ Casana directed the offense with 21 excellent sets while Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 14 digs and 21 receptions.

Head coach Kitty Antiporta credited team chemistry and communication for the win, saying it helped the squad stay composed during Alpha Insurance’s late surge. The Cabstars improved to 1-0 in the semifinals round-robin phase.

Alpha Insurance was led by Umandal with 14 points, while Del Pilar added 13 and Anima finished with 10. Despite the loss, they remained competitive throughout the match.