National University–Dasmariñas City trounced reigning champion Quezon, 25-18, 25-14, 25-17, completing a flawless sweep of the two-round eliminations in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association over the weekend at the Lucena Convention Center.
The Monarchs needed just over an hour to secure a repeat win against the titleholders, capping a perfect 14-0 record heading into the Final Four of the MPVA, the volleyball league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Vange Alinsug, returning after sitting out the previous game, fired 12 points to lead 11 scorers in Dasma’s balanced attack, announcing the team as a heavy title favorite in its inaugural MPVA season.
Supporting Alinsug were Sam Cantada, Natasza Bombita, and Alexa Mata, who contributed eight, seven, and six points, respectively, for the Monarchs, who had needed five sets to claim victory in their first encounter with Quezon.
NU-Dasma will face the Negros ICC Blue Hawks (7-7), who clinched the final semifinal spot after defeating the Marikina Lady Shoemasters.
The other semifinal pairing, also a best-of-three series, features second-ranked Quezon (12-2) against third-seeded Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano U Lady Chiefs (10-4), last season’s finalists in the upstart regional league supported by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
For Quezon, Rhea Mae Densing led the team with 11 points but was the lone bright spot for the Tangerines, who are backed by the four-time NCAA champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
In another game, Andrea Caparal sizzled with 20 points as Negros clobbered Marikina, 25-17, 25-7, 25-8, securing the final playoff spot over the Pasay Lady Voyagers (6-8) in the eight-team league organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
It was Negros’ third straight win — and the most lopsided so far in the MPVA — allowing them to claim the last semifinal berth.
On the other hand, Pasay absorbed its third consecutive defeat, ending its campaign.
Gelah Lopez and Graciella Libre added eight points each, while Jehiel Moraga and Firma Joy Casera contributed seven points apiece for Negros.
Elsewhere, the San Juan Lady Knights defeated the Caloocan AM Spikers, 25-14, 25-23, 15-25, 25-18, for a respectable exit at 5-9.
Abegail Nuval and Mary Christine Ecalla led the Lady Knights with 17 and 12 points, respectively, while Rhea Manalo scored 13 points and Selene Dagarat added five for Caloocan and Marikina.
Both teams finished at the bottom of the standings with identical 1-13 records.
