It’s National University-powered Dasmariñas City, and then everybody else.
The Monarchs continued to stamp themselves as the team to beat, trouncing the Caloocan AM Spikers, 25-19, 25-10, 25-13, for their fourth straight win in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) over the weekend at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Not even the AM Spikers’ home-court advantage could slow down the Monarchs, who needed just 77 minutes to secure the win and reinforce their hold on the top spot at 4-0.
Former UAAP Girls’ MVP and incoming UAAP Women’s rookie Samantha Cantada finally made her presence felt with 14 points to headline Dasma’s onslaught in the eight-team upstart league, founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Myrtle Escanlar added 12 points, while Dennese Daylisan, Harlyn Serneche, and setter Abegail Pono contributed eight, seven, and six points, respectively, for the Monarchs—supported by the two-time UAAP and three-time SSL reigning champion National U Lady Bulldogs.
Dasma hardly needed the services of aces Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh to secure a dominant road win midway through the first round of the MPVA, backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
Dasma’s stellar campaign so far includes a commanding sweep of reigning champion Quezon in the opener, establishing themselves as the new team to beat in the regional league, which aims to champion volleyball development akin to basketball in the MPBL.
No player for Caloocan managed to reach double figures, with Rhea Manalo leading the AM Spikers with eight points as they remained winless in four games.
In the other match, the Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano Lady Chiefs scored a quick rebound against the San Juan Lady Knights, 27-25, 19-25, 25-18, 25-17.
Laika Tudlasan erupted for 23 points while Heart Villaflores contributed 20 points for Biñan, which improved to 2-1 and stayed in the MPVA’s Top 4, organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
Samantha Gabrielle Tiratira and Marianne Lei Angelique Padilon were also instrumental, adding 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the Lady Chiefs’ balanced attack after their recent loss to Quezon.
For the Lady Knights, Kaycee Balingit and Mary Christine Ecalla scored 19 points each, while Abegail Nuval added 16 points, as San Juan fell to 1-4.
