National University-backed Dasmariñas City moved one step closer to a historic season sweep, booking the first finals berth after overpowering the Negros ICC Blue Hawks in their semifinal showdown in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association on Tuesday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Monarchs shook off a sluggish opening set before roaring back to dominate, 23–25, 25–12, 25–16, 25–6, completing a 2-0 sweep of the Blue Hawks.
NU-Dasma had earlier claimed a confident 25–15, 25–15, 25–16 win in Game 1.
The Monarchs extended their unbeaten run to 16 straight victories, placing themselves just two wins away from a perfect season in the eight-team league backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
Celine Marsh, Natasza Bombita, and Minerva Maaya paced Dasma with 14 points apiece, while skipper Evangeline Alinsug fired 13 in a well-balanced offensive display.
(C) MPVA
Sam Cantada and Alexa Mata chipped in five points each as the Monarchs cemented their status as the new powerhouse in the upstart regional league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Dasmariñas now awaits the winner between Quezon and Biñan, who will battle in a do-or-die Game 3 on Friday at the Arellano University Gym in Legarda, Manila for the remaining finals slot.
On the other side of the bracket, reigning champion Quezon Tangerines refused to yield their crown just yet, forcing a sudden-death battle after a commanding 25–18, 25–15, 25–19 sweep of the Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano U Lady Chiefs.
Rhea Mae Densing led the Tangerines with 16 points in a strong bounce-back effort after their collapse in Game 1, where they squandered a 2–1 set advantage in a heartbreaking 25–17, 21–25, 25–15, 24–26, 15–13 defeat.
Zam Nolasco added 15 points, while Shahanna Lleses contributed six. Shekaina Lleses and Clydel Mae Catarig chipped in five each for the defending champions, composed largely of the four-peat NCAA titleholders from the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
Laika Tudlasan, the standout with 17 points in Game 1, remained Biñan’s lone bright spot with 10 points in Game 2.
Despite the loss, the Lady Chiefs still have a chance to continue their redemption campaign after placing second last year in the MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
