The AEP-Cabstars celebrate during their match against 3B in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, March 8, 2026 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. UAAP Media
MANILA -- AEP-Cabstars snapped a two-game losing streak with a 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 triumph over 3B on Sunday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Cabstars closed out the first round of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference with a 2-3 record, staying in fourth place ahead of the final phase of the two-round eliminations.
EJ Casaña starred in the win, delivering 18 excellent sets as he orchestrated a balanced offensive attack that powered the Cabstars back to the win column.
Jay Rack De La Noche sustained his consistent performance with a game-high 17 points built on 15 attacks and two blocks. He also finished with six excellent receptions, while Jared Schnake added 15 points from 14 attacks and one block in just his second game with the team.
Vince Abrot tallied 12 markers, including two aces, while Nas Gwaza posted eight points. Vince Lorenzo added 15 excellent receptions in their one-hour, 17-minute triumph in the tourney backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
"Maganda para sa amin 'yung panalo na 'to. Na-gain namin 'yung composure namin, so every game kasi short kami lagi. So kanina bago nag-start, nag-huddle kami. Maganda 'yung huddle namin, that's why kaya kami nanalo," said AEP-Cabstars head coach Kitty Antiporta.
The Cabstars converted 48 of their 103 attack attempts to control the match from start to finish. They also held a 6-4 edge in blocks and a 3-1 advantage in service aces.
AEP-Cabstars will gun for back-to-back wins against the Event Masters anew on Friday, 3 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, 3B absorbed its third consecutive loss to fall to 1-4.
Carl Berdal paced the Event Masters with 10 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Israel Encina contributed nine points.