Axel Van Book has wasted no time making a name for himself in Spikers’ Turf. The Alpha Insurance newcomer was named Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week for Oct. 10 to 17 after powering a stunning season-opening upset.

Book, the NCAA Season 101 MVP out of San Beda, torched the Savouge Spin Doctors for 21 points as the Protectors survived in five sets. The weekly honor is voted on by print and online reporters covering the league.

Axel Van Book Wins Spikers’ Turf Player of the Week

Book edged out Alpha Insurance teammates Reymark Betco and EJ Casana for the award. He also bested Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia, Clearskiiin’s Klint Mateo and Far Eastern University standouts Dryx Saavedra and Rhodson Du-ot.

Book has played for Alas Pilipinas in the SEA V Cup, but the Cebu crowd was a first for him. He said as much after the match.

“Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung first time ko na ang daming nanonood talaga, ang daming nagchi-cheer. Never ko pa siyang na-try dito sa Manila, sa mga tournaments. So ayun, nandun ‘yung pressure and at the same time need talaga namin mag-adjust,” Book said.

Book admitted the pressure was real early on, but he pushed through it. “‘Yun ‘yung [challenge] sa’kin, pressure nung una kasi pero nilaban ko na lang kasi ‘di pwedeng pumunta dito tapos pangit ‘yung resulta,” he said.

Alpha Insurance Stuns Savouge Before Record Crowd

Alpha Insurance beat Savouge, 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14, on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena. The crowd of 13,180 was the biggest the league had ever seen.

Book finished with 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks, plus six excellent digs. Betco added 20 points as the Protectors rallied from 10-12 down in the fifth set to reach 14-13.

The match was part of the Spikers’ Turf 10th anniversary celebration. Organizer Sports Vision integrated select Spikers’ Turf matches into the Premier Volleyball League schedule to bring the men’s game to a wider audience.

“Para sa akin, sobrang saya and sobrang grateful din ako kasi first game namin dito pa sa Cebu. Ayun, nakuha pa namin. Sobrang ganda ng laban, ‘di namin in-expect na kaya naming makapag-adjust sa court and sa sistema namin,” Book said of the win.

Alpha Insurance returns to action on Thursday, Oct. 22. The Protectors will look to build on their opening win.