AEP-Cabstars blew a five-point lead in the fourth set and still found a way to win on tired legs. The Cabstars edged 3B, 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 24-26, 15-13, on Sunday, Nov. 15, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

It was the second straight win for the Cabstars after a grueling two-day stretch that included beating VNS-Laticrete at the Philsports Arena the day before. The tight schedule forced the team to stay overnight at a Makati hotel.

Fatigue Tests AEP-Cabstars in Five Sets

The fatigue became evident when AEP squandered a 23-18 lead in the fourth set, allowing 3B to steal the frame and force a decider. The Cabstars regrouped just in time, doing enough in the fifth set to fend off the Event Masters.

With the score tied at 13-all following Harry Ocay’s off-the-block hit, Bembem Bautista answered with a similar attack to put AEP at match point, 14-13. Carl Berdal then sent his attack long, handing the Cabstars the victory.

“It’s tough going back-to-back,” said AEP head coach Kitty Antiporta. “Medyo nakakapagod talaga. But we stayed connected ‘di ba and nag-stick kami sa kung ano ‘yung game plan namin today.”

“Nung fourth set, ‘yun nga ‘yung nagiging problem namin sa team this conference kasi ‘di ba, every conference kasi bago ‘yung players namin. So may problem sa chemistry, so ‘yung fourth set na ‘yun marami talagang errors,” he added.

Lardizabal, Aringo Power AEP-Cabstars Win

Dave Lardizabal erupted for 27 points on 24 attacks and three blocks. Leo Aringo delivered an all-around performance with 23 points and 24 excellent receptions to help AEP close out the two-hour, seven-minute encounter.

Wayne Arano orchestrated the Cabstars’ offense with 32 excellent sets and three points. John Santiagudo and JD Diwa chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.

The win lifted AEP-Cabstars to 3-5 and seventh place in the standings. The team will try to close its campaign on a high note against the streaking Savouge at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the same venue.

3B absorbed its fifth consecutive defeat, dropping to 1-6. Harry Ocay led the Event Masters with 24 points and 22 excellent receptions.

Ralph Cabalsa and Carl Berdal added 22 and 17 points, respectively, in the losing effort. 3B will try to snap its losing streak against National University-Archipelago Builders at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Philsports Arena.