Spikers' Turf Opens With a Bang: Alpha Insurance Shocks Savouge

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CEBU CITY — Alpha Insurance took down a loaded Savouge side in a five-set marathon to open the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. The Protectors survived a 16-14 decider Saturday, October 10, at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.

The 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14 win came before a record crowd of 13,180 fans. It also gave Alpha Insurance the early lead in the standings and gave the league’s 10th season a dramatic launch.

Axel Van Book scored 21 points to help Alpha Insurance survive Savouge in a five-set opening match at the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference. [PVL Images] — Axel Van Book scored 21 points to help Alpha Insurance survive Savouge in a five-set opening match at the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. [PVL Images]

Alpha Insurance Rallies From 10-12 Down to Beat Savouge

Alpha Insurance let the fourth set slip away, but it did not unravel in the fifth. Trailing 10-12 in the decider, the Protectors answered with a 4-1 run led by Reymark Betco and Axel Van Book to reach 14-13.

Mark Calado answered with an off-the-block hit to level the score at 14-all. Dan Nicolas then committed a service error, and EJ Casaña ended the match with a block on Kyle Villamor.

Book finished with 21 points, and Betco added 20 to lead Alpha Insurance. Vince Himzon, Jetlee Gopio, Rocky Motol and Barbie San Andres scored nine apiece, while Ranz Cajolo had seven in the two-hour, 16-minute battle.

Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference Opens to a Record Crowd

The opener launched a new format for the Spikers’ Turf’s 10th season. The men’s league now shares the spotlight with the Premier Volleyball League, with select men’s matches set between women’s games on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Protectors head coach Mike Santos praised Savouge’s bench depth after the win. “Hindi sila madaling talunin” (They are not easy to beat), he said, noting the Spin Doctors were the previous silver medalist and had added players.

Rookie libero Lance De Castro made his Spikers’ Turf debut with 26 excellent receptions and 16 excellent digs. Casaña added 24 excellent sets and four points for Alpha Insurance.

Calado paced Savouge with 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks and one ace. Ramirez and Villamor added 14 and 10, while Rikko Marmeto had 29 excellent receptions and Cian Silang 20 excellent sets against his former team.

Alpha Insurance next faces the winner of the National University-Far Eastern University V-League Finals matchup on Oct. 22. Savouge will try to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Oct. 21.