Cebu Opener Produces Instant Classic in Invitational Conference
Alpha Insurance stunned Savouge in five sets to open the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference in Cebu Saturday. The Protectors won 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14 before a league-record crowd of 13,180 at SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
Alpha Insurance Delivers Statement Win Against Savouge
Alpha Insurance survived a fifth-set deficit against Savouge, the previous conference’s runner-up, in the Invitational opener. Jonash Dannug’s match coverage described the Protectors’ upset, while league officials confirmed the record attendance in Cebu.
Coach Mike Santos praised Savouge’s deep bench and acknowledged the difficulties Alpha Insurance encountered across five sets. The Protectors nevertheless recovered after losing the fourth set, then completed their comeback in the deciding frame.
“Mahirap kasi ang lalim din ng bench nila. Kahit sino puwedeng hugutin ni Coach Sydney (Calderon), talagang magpo-produce. Talagang nahirapan kami. Kudos sa team nila kasi ang hirap nilang kalaban,” Santos said.
Image from: Inquirer Sports – Inquirer.net
Santos Calls Five-Set Victory a Great Start
Santos called the victory a great start after facing a Savouge lineup reinforced following its previous championship appearance. His comments reflected the challenge posed by a team capable of drawing scoring contributions from several players.
“Kahit naman sino, good start ang gusto. Actually, hindi nga kami good start — great start kasi hindi biro ‘yung kalaban namin. Silver medalist ‘yan, lumaban ng championship nung nakaraan at meron pa silang additional players. Hindi sila madaling talunin,” he added.
Book and Betco Power Fifth-Set Comeback
Axel Van Book scored 21 points and Reymark Betco added 20, combining for 41 in Alpha Insurance’s victory. Their late contributions proved decisive after Savouge built a 12-10 lead during the fifth set.
Book and Betco drove a 4-1 response that moved the Protectors ahead 14-13 in the decider. Mark Calado answered with an off-the-block attack, tying the set at 14 and extending the contest.
Casaña Closes Match With Decisive Block
Dan Nicolas committed a service error after Calado’s equalizer, handing Alpha Insurance another opportunity at match point. EJ Casaña then blocked Kyle Villamor at the net, sealing the Protectors’ dramatic 16-14 deciding-set victory.
Alpha Insurance Finds Production Across Its Lineup
Vince Himzon, Jetlee Gopio, Rocky Motol, and Barbie San Andres contributed nine points apiece for Alpha Insurance. Ranz Cajolo supplied seven additional points as the Protectors completed the contest in two hours and 16 minutes.
Setter EJ Casaña distributed 24 excellent sets and scored four points, including his match-clinching block against Villamor. Rookie libero Lance De Castro added 26 excellent receptions and 16 excellent digs during his Spikers’ Turf debut.
De Castro Impresses in Spikers’ Turf Debut
De Castro’s reception and digging totals stood out among Alpha Insurance’s supporting performances in the five-set contest. His defensive statistics accompanied Casaña’s 24 excellent sets and the combined 41 points from Book and Betco.
Recommended Article: Choco Mucho Stuns Capital1 With Five-Set PVL Comeback
Savouge Depth Falls Short in Deciding Set
Mark Calado paced Savouge with 18 points, comprising 14 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. Louie Ramirez scored 14 points, while Kyle Villamor contributed 10 during the Spin Doctors’ opening defeat.
Rikko Marmeto recorded 29 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, providing Savouge with substantial backcourt production. Cian Silang added 20 excellent sets against his former team as Savouge pushed the match into five sets.
Late Errors Turn Fifth Set Toward Alpha Insurance
Savouge forced a deciding frame by winning the fourth set, then established a 12-10 advantage late. Calado later tied the score at 14, but Nicolas’ service error preceded Casaña’s match-winning block against Villamor.
Record Cebu Crowd Highlights New League Format
The opening match drew 13,180 spectators, establishing a Spikers’ Turf attendance record at SM Seaside Cebu Arena. The milestone coincided with the league’s 10th season and a revised schedule shared with the Premier Volleyball League.
Selected men’s matches now appear between women’s contests on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays under the revised arrangement. Separate Spikers’ Turf playdates remain scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays, maintaining additional opportunities for men’s league competition.
Spikers’ Turf Begins 10th Season With Revamped Schedule
Alpha Insurance was scheduled to face the winner of the NU-FEU V-League Finals matchup on October 22. Savouge was set to meet defending champion Criss Cross on October 21 following its five-set opening defeat.
Analytical Breakdown: Winning the Biggest Points
Alpha Insurance showed impressive composure by recovering from a late fifth-set deficit against Savouge’s deep and experienced rotation. Book and Betco provided crucial scoring balance, while De Castro’s backcourt stability helped preserve offensive options throughout extended pressure situations. Sustaining that first-contact quality and late-set discipline will determine whether the Protectors can turn their statement victory into consistent success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Alpha Insurance versus Savouge?
Alpha Insurance defeated Savouge, 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference opener.
Who led Alpha Insurance in scoring?
Axel Van Book led the Protectors with 21 points, while Reymark Betco contributed another 20 during the victory.
How did Alpha Insurance win the fifth set?
Alpha Insurance recovered from 12-10 down before EJ Casaña’s match-winning block completed the 16-14 deciding-set victory.
How many fans attended the Spikers’ Turf opener?
A record crowd of 13,180 spectators watched Alpha Insurance defeat Savouge at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
Who will Alpha Insurance play next?
Alpha Insurance was scheduled to face the NU-FEU V-League Finals winner on October 22 after its opening victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Bytes Philippines.
