MANILA -- AEP-Cabstars took a step towards the podium after a straight sets win over Alpha Insurance in the bronze medal series of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Cabstars showed their poise in the first two sets before dominating the third en route to a 26-24, 25-23, 25-20 triumph in Game 1 of the best-of-3 battle for third.
They trailed 17-18 in the third frame before Dave Lardizabal, Jay Rack De La Noche and Nas Gwaza sparked an 8-2 closing surge.
The AEP-Cabstars celebrate a point against Alpha Insurance in the bronze medal series of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, April 15, 2026 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
"Maganda ang ipinakita ng mga bata. Siguro nag-decide lang kami na gusto naming manalo this Game 1, so pinakita lang nila kung ano ‘yung kapasidad nila bilang isang player kaya naging maganda ‘yung result," said AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.
De La Noche led the Cabstars with 20 points built on 18 attacks, a block and an ace, while also contributing seven excellent digs. Jared Schnake added 13 points along with nine excellent receptions, while Lardizabal chipped in 10 points from seven attacks, two kill blocks and an ace.
Paul Malaiba and Gwaza chipped in eight points each.
Setter EJ Casana orchestrated the offense with 28 excellent sets, while Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
The Cabstars will go for the series’ clincher in Game 2 on Friday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance continued to struggle, suffering its fourth straight loss.
Jau Umandal paced Alpha Insurance with 15 points, while Edward Camposano added 13 markers and 17 excellent receptions.