Alpha Insurance sees higher Spikers' Turf expectations after Umandal, Ronquillo additions

Head coach Mike Santos isn't shying away from higher expectations as the Alpha Insurance Protectors head into the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference with a reinforced roster and renewed ambition.

During the offseason, the Protectors bolstered their lineup by signing Jau Umandal and JM Ronquillo, additions Santos believes can immediately raise the team’s competitive ceiling. 

The duo joins an established core led by Don Nadera, Barbie San Andres, and JJ Javelona.

"Oo naman," Santos told One Sports when asked if expectations have increased. "Gawa nga ng mga bagong players na 'yan. Pero sabi ko sa mga original na nasa roster namin, we're still intact."

"Pagdating sa training, nadadala nila 'yung mga old players namin para umangat lalo yung level ng game nila," he added.

Santos admitted he initially hoped to bring in even more reinforcements during a hectic offseason that left several Cignal players and coaches without teams.

"Kung ako masusunod, kukunin ko lahat 'yan," he said with a laugh. "Para mabigyan ng trabaho. Pero very limited ang setup natin, so piliin lang talaga 'yung kaya naming kunin."

Leading by example

Still, with the arrival of proven winners like Umandal and Ronquillo, Santos is already seeing leadership emerge organically during training.

"Pagdating sa loob ng court, 'yung mga takbuhan, 'yung mga Cignal, sila na 'yung nagmamando," he said.

"Si Jau, very vocal siya. Tinuturuan niya 'yung mga libero namin—saan pumuwesto, ano 'yung kukunin. Nagtuturuan talaga sila."

But despite the upgrades, Santos remains grounded in managing expectations amid a tight six-team field.

"Katulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, we're gonna work hard for it," he said. "Lalabanan namin lahat ng team."

"Kung darating sila na hindi preparado, possible na talunin namin sila, pero kami, darating kami lagi 100%."

Alpha Insurance gets its Open Conference campaign going against the returning AEP Cabstars Wednesday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.

Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.