San juan: Alpha Insurance and Criss Cross clash for the lead on Friday in the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Filoil Playtime Centre in San Juan. Game time is at 5 p.m.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alpha Insurance pulled off a 25-23, 25-18, 25-10 victory over AEP-Cabstars while Criss Cross defeated VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 25-15, 25-17, on Thursday. Coach Mike Santos rotated his entire roster against the Cabstars to assess his players' readiness ahead of their match against the solid lineup of the King Crunchers. "I really prepared for it, I need to see how all my players played so that when we face Criss Cross, Savouge, I know how to rotate the players," said Santos in a news release Thursday.
JM Ronquillo, one of three players acquired from the on-leave Cignal Super Spikers, is expected to deliver again for the Protectors. Criss Cross head coach Tai Bundit also gave all his players court time against the VNS Griffins. Rookie Alche Gupiteo and four-time league MVP Jude Garcia led the King Crunchers with 11 points. Gupiteo kept in mind the reminder of his coach to remain calm, trust himself and let his power game take over. "Actually, there is pressure but I always believe what the coach says that this is a new beginning, this is a new team, this is a new era for you so enjoy. The Spikers' Turf is only once so why not enjoy it," said the University of Santo Tomas graduate, a two-time UAAP beach volleyball MVP.
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars and VNS are hoping to bounce back when they meet at 3 p.m. The Cabuyao-based Cabstars will be spearheaded by Jayrack Dela Noche and Vince Abrot, while the Griffins will bank on 16-year-old Terrence Marticion and Joshua Balintag.
