Alpha Insurance is one win away from the Spikers’ Turf semifinals after fighting through a heated four-set battle with ClearSkiiin. The Protectors won, 26-24, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, on Sunday night, Nov. 15, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Protectors extended their winning streak to five games and improved to 6-2 for solo second place. A win over Far Eastern University-DN Steel in their last elimination-round game at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, would send them to the semifinals with Criss Cross.

Alpha Insurance Surges Toward Semifinals

Alpha Insurance bounced back from a 16-25 second-set loss to take the final two frames. Head coach Mike Santos said the first set was a close fight and the second was lopsided, so he told his players to change the tempo.

“First of all, very proud ako sa mga players kasi they rose up to the occasion,” said Santos. “Kasi nung nanalo kami nung first set, very close fight. Nung second set, malayo ang score. So sabi ko kailangan nating baguhin ‘yung tempo.”

“Kailangan natin mag-relax, kailangan nating kalmahin ‘yung sarili natin na hindi tayo manggigil sa mga sitwasyon na mangyayari, so very proud ako kasi nakinig naman sila, at the same time nag-respond sila ng tama,” he added.

EJ Casaña’s playmaking and leadership stood out amid the heated encounter, which saw both squads exchange banter throughout the match. He tallied 28 excellent sets and two points for the Protectors.

Axel Van Book spearheaded the attack with 21 points, 23 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. JJ Javelona chipped in 17 points on 15 attacks and two kill blocks.

Vince Himzon added nine points. Barbie San Andres contributed on both ends with seven points and 16 excellent receptions.

ClearSkiiin Faces Must-Win Finish

ClearSkiiin slipped to 4-3 and must sweep its remaining games against National University-Archipelago Builders and Savouge. It also needs favorable results in its rivals’ remaining games to keep its top-four hopes alive.

Renzel Antonio led the UV Smashers with 14 points and 13 excellent receptions. JM Ronquillo, who did not see action in the fourth set, still finished with 12 markers.

Kilint Mateo dished out 19 excellent sets and three points, while Bhim Diones recorded 17 excellent digs. ClearSkiiin faces NU at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, as it looks to revive its slim semifinals hopes.