The National University-backed Dasmariñas City extended its perfect run with a 20-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-20 victory over the struggling Caloocan AM Spikers to open the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association second round in style over the weekend at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Kaye Bombita led the Monarchs’ charge with 21 points as they notched their eighth straight win in as many games in their debut season, solidifying their hold on the top spot in the eight-team regional league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Kate Macasaet and Jenelyn Jacob chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively, as Dasma barely needed big outings from its usual stars Evangeline Alinsug, Celine Marsh, and Sam Cantada.
After dropping the opening set, the Monarchs regrouped and dominated the next three frames to extend their flawless run, highlighted by earlier triumphs over defending champion Quezon and runner-up Biñan.
Rhea Manalo tallied 13 points to pace Caloocan, which remained winless at the bottom of the standings with an 0-8 record.
In other matches, reigning champion Quezon Tangerines swept the Marikina Lady Shoemasters, 26-24, 25-16, 25-10, to stay in second place, while the San Juan Lady Knights pulled off an upset over the fourth-seeded Pasay Lady Voyagers, 25-20, 25-19, 13-25, 27-25.
Shekaina Lleses powered the Tangerines with 15 points, while Sophia Badion and Yesha Rojo added seven apiece as Quezon improved to 7-1.
Backed by the four-peat NCAA champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, Quezon’s lone blemish came against the surging Dasma Monarchs as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back crowns in the MPVA backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprises, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
Kaycee Balingit and Tin Ecalla combined for 15 and 10 points, respectively, to lead the Lady Knights, who improved to 3-5 for sixth place.
Selene Dagarat finished with 13 points for Marikina, which dropped to 1-7 at seventh place, while Iari Quimson fired 16 markers for the Lady Voyagers, who stayed at fourth with a 4-4 slate in the two-round tournament organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
