Cian Silang delivered a playmaking masterclass as Alpha Insurance roared back to form, snapping a two-game skid with a straight-set triumph over 3B, 25-21, 25-15, 26-24, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Playtime Centre.
Unable to fully display his vast potential in the latter stages of his Cignal career, Silang reminded everyone why he was once the league’s Best Setter, dishing out 24 excellent sets and adding a point to steer the Protectors back into contention.
Following back-to-back losses to Criss Cross and Savouge, Alpha Insurance rediscovered its rhythm, storming through the first two sets before regaining composure in a tense third frame to scuttle the Event Masters and even their record at 2-2 in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
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 backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
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.
