Jau Umandal of Alpha Insurance attacks the VNS defense in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 8, 2026 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA -- Alpha Insurance made it back-to-back wins in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference after powering past VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-16, 25-20, 25-18, on Sunday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The result gave Alpha Insurance a 3-2 record, good for third place to close the first round.
Jau Umandal played his best game for the Protectors thus far, unleashing 16 points on 15 attacks and one ace.
Setter Cian Silang, on the other hand, came through with 16 excellent sets and finished with two points. Edward Camposano added eight markers and 13 excellent receptions, while JM Ronquillo also scored eight points.
Alpha Insurance overwhelmed their opponents in attacks, 45-24, and asserted their control at the net with a 7-4 block advantage. The Protectors also scored two aces.
Alpha Insurance hopes to ride on those two victories as they face the powerhouse Criss Cross King Crunchers at the start of the second round on Wednesday, 5 p.m., at the same venue.
"To be fair, hindi pa talaga eh. Ang dami pa rin naming errors eh, siguro masaya lang ako kasi nakalagpas kami sa VNS ngayon kasi dalawang conference na kaming nagsa-struggle sa kanila," said coach Mike Santos after the win.
Meanwhile, VNS absorbed its fifth straight loss in as many games.
Terrence Marticion put up 15 points on 14 attacks and one kill block for the Griffins, who will look to break through against the 3B Event Masters, also on Wednesday at 3 p.m.