Cabstars grab solo 3rd spot

AEP-Cabstars overcame a third-set fall to beat Alpha Insurance, 25-17, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, and take solo third place in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Tuesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

In a clash between semifinal-bound squads, the Cabstars’ depth proved too much for a Protectors side playing without middle blocker Billie Anima.

A joint effort from Jayrack De La Noche and Jared Schnake powered AEP to its second consecutive win in the tournament.

Beyond avenging their first-round loss to Alpha last 25 February, the Cabstars also secured solo third place in the six-team field with a 5-4 win-loss record. They now face a crucial showdown against second-placed Savouge to close the preliminaries this Friday at the same Manila venue.

“Our standing is good because of the win and we hope to bring it to our next game against Savouge,” Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta said.

After giving up 10 errors in a lopsided third-set loss, the Cabstars bounced back quickly, breaking an 11-all tie in the fourth frame to take a three-point cushion at 16-13, fueled by a Paul Malaiba off-the-block attack and a De La Noche crosscourt hit.