AEP-Cabstars had to dig deep and fight through exhaustion to keep their winning run alive, outlasting fellow bottom-dweller 3B in a grueling five-set encounter, 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 24-26, 15-13, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Coming off a victory over VNS-Laticrete just a day earlier, the Cabstars once again showed their resilience, leaning on Dave Lardizabal and Leo Aringo to survive a late 3B rally and secure their second consecutive win.
Lardizabal erupted for 27 points on 24 attacks and three blocks, while Aringo delivered an all-around performance with 23 points and 24 excellent receptions to help AEP close out the two-hour, seven-minute encounter and improve to a 3-5 record at seventh place in the standings.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The victory capped a grueling two-day stretch for the Cabuyao-based squad, which also defeated VNS-Laticrete at the Philsports Arena before facing 3B. The tight schedule forced the Cabstars to stay overnight at a Makati hotel between matches.
The fatigue became evident when AEP squandered a 23-18 lead in the fourth set, allowing 3B to steal the frame and force a decider. The Cabstars, however, regrouped just in time, doing enough in the fifth set to fend off the Event Masters and seal the victory.
With the score tied at 13-all following Harry Ocay’s off-the-block hit, Bembem Bautista answered with a similar attack to put AEP at match point, 14-13. Carl Berdal then sent his attack long, handing the Cabstars the victory.
“It’s tough going back-to-back,” said AEP head coach Kitty Antiporta. “Medyo nakakapagod talaga. But we stayed connected ‘di ba and nag-stick kami sa kung ano ‘yung game plan namin today.”
“Nung fourth set, ‘yun nga ‘yung nagiging problem namin sa team this conference kasi ‘di ba, every conference kasi bago ‘yung players namin. So may problem sa chemistry, so ‘yung fourth set na ‘yun marami talagang errors,” he added.
Wayne Arano orchestrated the Cabstars’ offense with 32 excellent sets, while also contributing three points. John Santiagudo and JD Diwa chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.
AEP will look to close out its campaign on a high note when it takes on the streaking Savouge on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, the Event Masters absorbed their fifth consecutive defeat, dropping to a 1-6 record.
Ocay led 3B with 24 points and 22 excellent receptions, while Ralph Cabalsa and Berdal added 22 and 17 points, respectively, in the losing effort.
3B will look to snap its losing streak against National University-Archipelago Builders on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
