Manila: Alpha Insurance banked on outside spiker Barbie San Andres and middle blocker Billie Jean-Henri Anima to prevail over Savouge, 19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-22, at the start of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
According to Philippines News Agency, San Andres finished with 19 points along with nine digs and 11 receptions for the Protectors, who are competing in just their second conference in the men’s premier league. “Trust the process. We started last conference, we were very lacking in preparation. Coming into this conference, the preparation was good, and at the same time we had recruits who were really ace players, so we really focused on preparation,” said Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos.
After Charlee Magpayo levelled the score at 24 in the third set, San Andres scored on an attack and Anima blocked Shawie Caritativo to give Alpha Insurance a 2-1 set lead. At 22-all in the fourth set, San Andres scored and Anima blocked Mark Calado for the match point. Caritativo’s error allowed Alpha Insurance to seal the victory in two hours and five minutes.
“Our mindset is that we are ahead, so sometimes when they catch up, we think that this is it, we will not let go because we are ahead. So, the victory is being given to us, we will not let go. That is what we think in the crucial parts of the game,” said the 5-foot-8 San Andres.
JJ Javelona contributed 12 points while Vince Himzon added 11 points. NCAA Season 100 rookie MVP Rocky Motol had 10 points and 11 digs, while Anima shared eight points. Alpha Insurance will meet defending champion Cignal on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Calado paced the Spin Doctors with 20 points and six digs, while Caritativo added 19 points and 22 excellent receptions. Savouge, bronze medalist in two straight tournaments, will face 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge champion FEU-DN Steel.
