AEP-Cabstars capped their return to the league with a statement finish, overpowering Alpha Insurance in four sets, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, to secure the bronze medal in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Friday at the Filoil Centre.

Orchestrating the offense with precision, EJ Casaña tallied 39 excellent sets, steering the Cabstars to a composed performance that highlighted their cohesion despite limited preparation time. The team showed control early, stumbled briefly in the third, and regained composure in the fourth to seal the victory.

The bronze medal win completed a dominant series showing for AEP-Cabstars after also taking Game One in straight sets, 26-24, 25-23, 25-20, proving their consistency in the battle for third place.

“Very happy kasi first appearance ulit namin, nag-bronze agad kami,” said head coach Kitty Antiporta. “Despite na within two weeks lang kami nabuo, ang maganda dito pataas kami. Naging resilient lang kami regardless sa nangyari sa previous games.”

Cabstars overcome third-set stumble with composure

AEP-Cabstars looked poised for a sweep after controlling the opening two sets, but Alpha Insurance mounted resistance in the third. The Cabstars rallied to tie the set at 22 after trailing, showing grit under pressure.

However, a quick attack from Nas Gwaza and a costly service error from Jay Rack Dela Noche allowed the Protectors to extend the match. Despite the setback, the Cabstars stayed composed heading into the fourth set.

Dela Noche and Jared Schnake took charge in the closing stretch, delivering crucial points that secured the win in one hour and 44 minutes. Their execution in key moments underscored the team’s late-game maturity.

Balanced effort lifts AEP-Cabstars to podium finish

Dela Noche led all scorers with 23 points built on 22 attacks, while also contributing seven excellent digs. Schnake added 14 points and posted a perfect reception display, going 14-of-20 in excellent receptions.

Gwaza chipped in 12 markers, while Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 28 excellent receptions and 17 digs, providing stability throughout the match. Casaña’s steady playmaking tied everything together, consistently putting his teammates in position to score.

“This is a big boost sa amin sa team,” Casaña said. “Mataas yung morale namin going to the next conference, and I hope marami kaming natutunan. Baunin namin ‘tong bronze medal.”

On the other side, Wesley Cajolo led Alpha Insurance with 22 points, while Rommel Baptista contributed 12 points along with 26 receptions and seven digs. Despite missing key players JM Ronquillo and Nathaniel Del Pilar, the Protectors managed to secure their best finish in three conferences with a fourth-place result.