CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Team Power weathered a spirited challenge from Team Passion, pulling through in four sets, 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23, to clinch the Spikers’ Turf exhibition win in the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase on Friday at the Candon City Arena.
Spearheaded by team captain and eventual MVP Noel Kampton, Team Power asserted control early, making full use of the Premier Ball in the first two sets. They strung together scoring runs fueled by a strong offensive rhythm while also limiting Team Passion’s attempts to establish momentum.
Team Passion, however, refused to back down. They stole the third set behind the efforts of Poy Colinares, Jau Umandal, Mark Calado, and Jared Schnake, extending the match and forcing Team Power to regroup in the fourth set.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Medyo struggling lang kami ng first five points. Naunahan kami, so sabi ko sa kanila, huwag na nila pansinin yung score — maglaro lang kayo, kailangan pa rin nating pumasa at dahan lang. So yun, nalabas naman,” said Team Power head coach Sydney Calderon.
In a tense fourth set, Team Passion threatened to force a decider after Alche Gupiteo drilled a cross-court attack to tie the score at 21-all. But Kim Malabunga and JM Ronquillo responded with back-to-back hits to restore a 23-21 cushion for Team Power.
Jay Rack De La Noche kept Team Passion alive with a well-placed hit past the blockers, but Ronquillo once again delivered in the clutch, getting a block touch that set up match point at 24-22.
Nas Gwaza briefly extended the frame with a quick attack, but Kampton finished the job with a cross-court kill before crossing over to the other side for playful banter to close the match.
Kampton finished as the lone double-digit scorer for Team Power, tallying 14 points on 13 attacks and one service ace, as they took home the P100,000 prize for the exhibition win.
Ronquillo added nine points, while Jude Garcia and Lloyd Josafat contributed eight points each.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
For Team Passion, which settled for the P50,000 consolation prize, Mark Calado led the way with 16 points on 14 attacks and two kill blocks.
Poy Colinares and De La Noche chipped in nine and eight points, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
In the side events, the Premier Volleyball League All-Stars also took part in the Zig-Zag Dig-A-Thon. Team Hustle — bannered by Brooke Van Sickle, Jackie Acuña, and Tots Carlos — teamed up with three fans to secure the win.
Team Heart, composed of Jema Galanza, Myla Pablo, and Jean Asis, also leaned on fan support, with three spectators joining them in the spirited challenge.
