A share of the early lead will be at stake when Alpha Insurance and Criss Cross collide on Friday in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Filoil Playtime Centre.
First serve is set for 5 p.m., with both squads riding the momentum of convincing opening-day victories.
Alpha Insurance stamped its readiness with a dominant 25-23, 25-18, 25-10 sweep of AEP-Cabstars, while Criss Cross turned in an equally authoritative performance, dismantling VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 25-15, 25-17.
Protectors head coach Mike Santos used the win over the Cabstars as a full-scale evaluation, fielding his entire roster to gauge readiness against the King Crunchers’ depth and firepower.
“I really prepared for it. I needed to see how all my players played so that when we face Criss Cross, I know how to rotate the players,” Santos said in a team release.
One of the key figures expected to step up anew is JM Ronquillo, part of the trio acquired from the on-leave Cignal Super Spikers, as Alpha Insurance braces for its biggest test so far.
Across the net, Criss Cross head coach Tai Bundit also maximized his lineup against the Griffins, giving everyone valuable minutes. Rookie Alche Gupiteo and four-time league MVP Jude Garcia spearheaded the balanced attack, finishing with 11 points apiece.
For Gupiteo, staying composed has been the message.
“Actually, there is pressure, but I always believe what the coach says—that this is a new beginning, a new team, a new era. So enjoy it. The Spikers’ Turf is only once, so why not enjoy it,” said the University of Santo Tomas graduate and two-time UAAP beach volleyball MVP.
Earlier at 3 p.m., the Cabstars and the Griffins look to get back on track in a battle of winless teams. Cabuyao-based AEP-Cabstars will lean on Jayrack Dela Noche and Vince Abrot, while VNS pins its hopes on 16-year-old Terrence Marticion and Joshua Balintag to spark a turnaround.
