Protectors slip past Tamaraws in 5 sets

Don Nadera came up with a sensational 23-point performance, none bigger than his final two off-the-block kills that sealed Alpha Insurance’s pulsating come-from-behind 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 18-16 win over Far Eastern University (FEU)-DN Steel on Sunday in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

“I am overjoyed,” said Nadera, whose clutch heroics capped a gritty comeback for the Protectors, who stared at defeat multiple times but refused to yield.

Nadera’s showing came as a surprise to many.

After scoring just two points in a limited stint during their four-set win over Savouge, and sitting out entirely in their five-set loss to Cignal, few expected him to make an impact.

But with spark plug JJ Javelona sidelined due to personal reasons, Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos turned to Nadera in the second set to replace the struggling Francis Casas.

And Nadera rose to the challenge.

After surrendering the third set and facing a fired-up Tamaraws squad, Alpha Insurance found themselves pushed to the edge. But instead of breaking, the Protectors dug deep, rallying behind Nadera’s relentless attacking, their unyielding defense, and a collective display of heart that turned the tide in the fourth and carried into the thrilling decider.

The final frame was a rollercoaster of nerves and momentum shifts. FEU-DN Steel saved multiple match points, but each time, Alpha Insurance answered back with poise and purpose.

When the dust settled, it was Nadera who rose above the blockers to deliver the dagger, a fitting finish to a match defined by determination.

“Facing the Tamaraws is always difficult,” Nadera said.

The victory marked Alpha Insurance’s second win in three outings.