Don Nadera delivered a scintillating 23-point performance – none bigger than his final two off-the-block kills that sealed Alpha Insurance’s heart-stopping come-from-behind 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 18-16 victory over FEU-DN Steel in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday.
“Sobrang happy at nakuha namin ang panalo. Thank you kay God at ibinigay Niya sa amin,” said an ecstatic Nadera, whose clutch heroics capped a gritty comeback for the Protectors, who stared at defeat multiple times but refused to yield.
Nadera’s performance came as a surprise to many. After scoring just two points in a limited stint during their four-set win over Savouge – and sitting out entirely in their five-set loss to Cignal – few expected him to make an impact.
But with spark plug JJ Javelona sidelined due to personal reasons, Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos turned to Nadera in the second set to replace the struggling Francis Casas.
And Nadera rose to the challenge.
After surrendering the third set and facing a fired-up Tamaraws squad, Alpha Insurance found themselves pushed to the edge. But instead of breaking, the Protectors dug deep – rallying behind Nadera’s relentless attacking, their unyielding defense, and a collective display of heart that turned the tide in the fourth and carried into the thrilling decider.
The final frame was a rollercoaster of nerves and momentum shifts. FEU-DN Steel saved multiple match points, but each time, Alpha Insurance answered back with poise and purpose. When the dust settled, it was Nadera who rose above the blockers to deliver the dagger – a fitting finish to a match defined by determination.
“Mahirap kalaban ang Tamaraws – malakas sila, kaya kailangan din buo ang puso naming,” said Nadera.
The victory marked Alpha Insurance’s second win in three outings, bouncing back strongly after yielding a five-setter to Cignal Super Spikers. With a 2-1 record that matches the Savouge Spin Doctors’ slate, the Protectors remain firmly in contention for a semifinal berth – now brimming with renewed confidence and belief.
