Alpha Insurance celebrates a point against 3B in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 4, 2026 at the Filoil Playtime Centre. PVL Media
MANILA -- Alpha Insurance put an end to a two-match skid by sweeping 3B, 25-21, 25-15, 26-24, in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Playtime Centre.
Cian Silang pulled the strings for the Protectors, tallying 24 excellent sets as they evened their record to 2-2.
JM Ronquillo stepped up in the clutch, spearheading a crucial 3-1 run that shattered a 21-all count and propelled the Protectors to match point.
But the Event Masters rallied with consecutive points to force extension with Christhian Olaes rising for a block on Don Nedra and Israel Encina blasting a booming ace.
JJ Javelona, however, responded with a crafty push, and Rommelito Baptista sealed the one-hour, 20-minute victory with a block on Olaes.
"Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na kailangan bigyan natin ng respeto 'yung kalaban," said Protectors head coach Mike Santos. "Hindi porket bago sa liga 'yan, lalaruin na lang natin."
"Sabi ko, kailangan nating paghandaan. Pinaghandaan naman namin sa training, kaso nga lang napakarami pa rin naming errors," added Santos, pointing out his squad's 22 errors.
Ronquillo, the lone double-digit scorer in the win, erupted for 20 points on 18-of-27 attacks and two service aces, to go along with five excellent digs to power Alpha Insurance to victory.
Jau Umandal, who sat out the third set, and Edward Camposano tallied nine markers and eight excellent receptions each, while Reymond Sabanal contributed seven markers in their second win of the tournament.
The Protectors will try to close their first round campaign with another victory as they take on the VNS Always Bright Laticrete Griffins on Sunday, 3 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, 3B slipped to 1-2 following its five-set win over VNS last Sunday.
Carl Berdal, who was coming off a 29-point explosion against the Griffins, was held to just 10 points along with 12 excellent receptions, while Encina and Olaes added eight and seven points, respectively, for the Event Masters.
Kenneth Daynata, meanwhile, finished with just six points after a 20-point outing in their previous match.
3B seeks a bounce back win against AEP-Cabstars, also on Sunday at 1 p.m.