Spikers’ Turf: Player of the Week Axel Van Book makes instant impact for Alpha Insurance

MANILA — In front of the biggest crowd the league had seen, Alpha Insurance newcomer Axel Van Book showed he belonged on the big stage.

Book rose to the occasion, helping the Protectors pull off a stunning 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14 upset of star-studded Savouge Spin Doctors for a winning start in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference before 13,180 fans at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on October 10.

Despite the nerves of playing before a record crowd, the reigning NCAA MVP erupted for 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks while chipping in six excellent digs to lead Alpha Insurance’s rousing debut.

“Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung first time ko na ang daming nanonood talaga, ang daming nagchi-cheer. Never ko pa siyang na-try dito sa Manila, sa mga tournaments. So ayun, nandun ‘yung pressure and at the same time need talaga namin mag-adjust,” Book said.

Book’s composure on the big stage translated into individual recognition, as the Protectors ace earned the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award for October 10 to 17.

He bested Alpha Insurance teammates Reymark Betco and EJ Casana, Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia, Clearskiiin’s Klint Mateo, and Far Eastern University standouts Dryx Saavedra and Rhodson Du-ot for the weekly honor voted on by print and online reporters covering the league.

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, tournament organizer Sports Vision integrated select Spikers’ Turf matches into the Premier Volleyball League schedule to bring the men’s game to a wider audience.

With the opportunity to showcase his skills before a bigger crowd, Book did not want the trip to Cebu to end in defeat.

“‘Yun ‘yung [challenge] sa’kin, pressure nung una kasi pero nilaban ko na lang kasi ‘di pwedeng pumunta dito tapos pangit ‘yung resulta,” said Book, who recently earned his first call-up to Alas Pilipinas for the SEA V Cup over the summer.

“Para sa akin, sobrang saya and sobrang grateful din ako kasi first game namin dito pa sa Cebu. Ayun, nakuha pa namin. Sobrang ganda ng laban, ‘di namin in-expect na kaya naming makapag-adjust sa court and sa sistema namin,” he added.

Book and the rest of Alpha Insurance look to build on their strong start when they take on National University-Archipelago Builders on Thursday, 3 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.