Alpha Insurance is beginning to find its rhythm in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, and its latest victory showed just how well the Protectors are handling the demands of a grueling schedule.
Riding the momentum of a straight-sets victory a day earlier, the Protectors made quick work of an undermanned Armed Forces of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-21, 25-15, to notch back-to-back wins on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
A day after sweeping AEP-Cabstars, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, Alpha Insurance picked up where it left off, dictating the tempo against the Cavaliers, who were without Ranran Abdilla and Jessie Lopez, from the opening serve. The victory improved the Protectors’ record to 3-2 and moved them to fourth place in the standings.
Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos said his wards were prepared for the challenge of playing on consecutive days, having carefully planned their training and recovery sessions well ahead of time.
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“From the start palang nung binigay ‘yung schedule, talagang inaral na namin kung paano ‘yung gagawin naming training, iti-timing namin kung kelan kami magpapahinga, iti-timing namin kung kelan kami mag-light training,” said Santos.
“So, pinaghandaan namin ‘yung ganitong klaseng schedule. So, maganda naman ang resulta sa mga players kasi nag-respond sila nang tama,” he added.
Axel Van Book led the Protectors with a game-high 13 points on 12 attacks and one ace, while Reymark Betco chipped in 10 markers despite playing only in the final two sets of the quick 69-minute victory.
JJ Javelona added eight points, while Barbie San Andres, who tallied 12 points in their win over the Cabstars, contributed six markers and seven excellent receptions in two sets of action.
EJ Casana dished out 10 excellent sets and added two points, while Lance De Castro recorded 11 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Despite committing 28 unforced errors, Alpha Insurance found more than enough ways to keep the Cavaliers at bay, leaning on its attacking firepower to establish a commanding advantage.
The Protectors dominated at the net, hammering down 47 attack points against AFP’s 21 to overcome their miscues and complete another convincing straight-sets victory.
Alpha Insurance will look to extend its winning streak to three games when it takes on 3B on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
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Meanwhile, the Cavaliers remained winless after six games.
Herald Domingo paced AFP with seven points, while Pol Salvador added five.
AFP will look to salvage its campaign against Savouge on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
