National University-backed Dasmarinas City continued to dominate the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association, cruising past the Pasay Lady Voyagers, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21, to secure an early Final Four ticket in the resumed season on Tuesday night at the Marikina Sports Complex.
The Monarchs needed only 82 minutes to notch their 10th straight win in as many games, earning the first playoff spot in the eight-team upstart regional league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
With four games remaining in the two-round eliminations, Dasma also strengthened its case for a Top-Two finish, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage, establishing themselves as the team to beat in their debut season.
No player reached double figures in a balanced Monarchs attack led by Evangeline Alinsug, Josephine Salazar, and Alexa Mata, each scoring nine points.
Celine Marsh and Minerva Maaya contributed eight and seven points, respectively, for the powerhouse Dasma squad.
Pasay slipped to 5-5 despite May Ann Pantino-Deflem’s 10-point effort, entering the crucial stretch of the MPVA, which is supported by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
In other matches, Binan Tatak Gel Arellano Lady Chiefs (6-3) defeated the Caloocan AM Spikers (0-9), 21-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-22, while the San Juan Lady Knights (4-6) overwhelmed the Marikina Lady Shoemasters (1-9), 25-17, 25-14, 25-15.
Laika Tudlasan and Heart Villaflores led Binan with 18 and 16 points, respectively, while Fhaye Mangubat and Crisanta Servidad added nine points each.
Binan, runner-up to the Quezon Tangerines last season, solidified their hold on third place just behind Dasma and Quezon (8-1) in the race for the MPVA’s win-once semis bonus, organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
San Juan moved within striking distance of Pasay for the coveted fourth seed, powered by Kaycee Balingit’s 16 points.
Yveian Orpiano and Toni Nitura added nine and eight points, respectively, for the Lady Knights.
Selene Dagarat led Marikina with nine points, while the efforts of Rhea Manalo and Sheeka Espinosa went in vain for Caloocan, as both squads remain at the bottom of the standings.
