AEP-Cabstars secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday at the Filoil Centre, overcoming 3B in a hard-fought 25-23, 25-13, 25-23 victory.
The win, which improved AEP’s record to 4-4, completed the semifinal cast alongside unbeaten Criss Cross (8-0), Savouge (6-2), and Alpha Insurance (4-3).
After dropping late points in the opening set and facing a dominant second frame from 3B, the Cabstars regrouped for a nail-biting third set.
Jared Schnake orchestrated a key play to Jay Rack Dela Noche for a decisive kill, and a follow-up crosscourt spike sealed the 13-minute, one-hour, 13-minute win.
Dela Noche led AEP with 17 points, Schnake added 12, and floor defense anchored by Vince Lorenzo ensured solid receptions throughout.
“Actually bad loss kami last Wednesday against Criss Cross, so nag-adjust lang kami sa kung paano namin lalaruin ‘yung game against 3B. Maganda ‘yung huddle namin kanina, napagusapan namin kung ano yung gagawin namin today,” said AEP head coach Kitty Antiporda.
The Cabstars will next face Alpha Insurance on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Earlier in the day, Criss Cross demonstrated their depth by overwhelming VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 25-14, 25-12, with their second unit taking center stage.
Despite extended minutes for reserves, the King Crunchers executed flawlessly, notching a ninth straight win and moving one step away from a perfect elimination round.
Jaron Requinton led with 16 points, while setter Eco Adajar tallied 18 excellent sets, highlighting the team’s cohesion.
“As second stringers, sobrang saya namin kasi binigyan kami ni coach ng chance na makapaglaro the whole game,” said Requinton.
Criss Cross will aim to sweep 3B next Friday at the Paco Arena before the Final Four round-robin begins, with all team records reset.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Closing out the day, Savouge Aesthetics pulled off a dramatic reverse sweep over Alpha Insurance, 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 15-9, surviving a tense battle to preserve their second-place standing behind Criss Cross.
After dropping the first two sets, Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon made a pivotal adjustment, moving Mark Calado to outside spiker and inserting Joeven Dela Vega at opposite.
The strategy paid off as the Spin Doctors rallied to claim the next three sets, with Shawie Caritativo delivering key points in the decisive stretch.
JP Bugaoan led Savouge with 17 points, Dela Vega added 12, and Caritativo contributed nine points alongside 20 excellent receptions.
The Protectors were plagued by 32 errors, allowing Savouge to seize the comeback.
