JM Ronquillo of Alpha Insurance in action against AEP-Cabstars in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference, February 25, 2026 at the FilOil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Alpha Insurance gave newcomer AEP-Cabstars a rude welcome to the Spikers' Turf on Wednesday, scoring a 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 victory to open its campaign in the Open Conference at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
JM Ronquillo, who moved to the squad along with Jau Umandal and Cian Silang following Cignal’s decision to take a leave of absence for this conference, quickly showed his worth as he came off the bench to fire a team-high 12 points on 11 attacks and one kill block.
READ: With Cignal out, expect unpredictability from Spikers’ Turf playing field
Edward Camposano scored nine points in two sets, while Ranz Cajolo and Rommelito Baptista added seven and six points, respectively, in the straight-set win. Billie Anima and Umandal contributed five points apiece.
Alpha Insurance had to overcome a shaky start against an unfamiliar opponent, before dominating the next two frames to finish the match in an hour and 20 minutes.
"Actually, nagkagulo nung first set kasi hindi rin namin alam ‘yung igagalaw talaga ng Cabstars. Pero fortunately, ‘yung ginamit ko nung first set ‘yung original lineup namin so kahit papaano na-control namin," said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos.
Alpha Insurance dominated the attacking department, 43-32, and benefited on the Cabstars' 25 errors.
They return to action on Friday against Criss Cross.
Jay Rack De La Noche and Vince Abrot, both former Super Spikers, led the Cabstars with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Cabstars will try to bounce back when they go up against VNS VNS Always Bright Laticrete, also on Friday at 3 p.m.