From being one of the youngest members of his former team, Jay Rack Dela Noche has quickly grown into one of the leaders of the AEP Cabstars.
Dela Noche joined the now-defunct Cignal after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in 2025, making his first mark in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
With the Super Spikers, playing time was often limited in their stacked roster of 19 players, including nine wing spikers.
Now, in the 2026 Open Conference with the Cabstars, Dela Noche has become a certified go-to player.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
“Siguro po nagiging motivation ko yung experience ko sa Cignal na maisama ko dito sa Cabstars, maidagdag ko sa sistema namin,” said Dela Noche, who has quickly become a leader in just his second conference in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Black Mamba, Premiere EMS, and ArenaPlus.
“Kailangan ko po kasi tumulong sa team, kailangan talaga kaming maging matibay kasi dati po sa Cignal, mga kuya ko po kasi ang nagge-guide sa akin, sa ngayon po ako naman po ‘yung nagge-guide sa ibang kasama ko,” he added.
Beyond leadership, Dela Noche has led the Cabstars’ returning core in their opening games.
He scored 14 points in their straight-set opening day loss to Alpha Insurance, then stepped up with 18 points in a three-set victory over VNS Always Bright Laticrete. The UST product went 17-of-33 in spikes and added a block to help the Cabstars even their record at 1-1.
With the responsibility of guiding a young team, Dela Noche looks to emulate the example of his former Cignal senior, Wendel Miguel, who held the Super Spikers together during the 2025 Invitationals, securing a bronze medal despite a shaky run.
“Nai-inspire lang po ako kay Kuya Wendel,” said Dela Noche.
The Cabstars, led by Dela Noche, will aim to further test their mettle this Sunday against title favorite Criss Cross at the Filoil Playtime Centre in San Juan.
