National University-backed Dasmariñas City moved closer to a first-round sweep by fending off San Juan, 25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 25-10, in Week 4 of the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association on Monday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Samantha Catanda, former UAAP Girls’ MVP and an incoming rookie in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, led the charge with 18 points as the Monarchs extended their unbeaten streak to five games.
Kaye Bombita contributed 13 points, while Abegail Pono and Denesse Daylisan added nine and seven points, respectively, for the Monarchs.
Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh didn’t even see action for Dasmariñas, underscoring the team’s dominance as the squad to beat in the fledgling league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Dasmariñas, which had earlier defeated contenders Quezon and Biñan, dropped the third set but responded decisively in the fourth, closing it out with a 15-point margin.
Tin Ecalla led San Juan with 11 points as the Lady Knights fell to a 1-5 record.
In other matches, the Quezon Tangerines and Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano Lady Chiefs earned gutsy victories to stay within striking distance of Dasmariñas in the MPVA, which is backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications, and XIV Apparel.
Reigning champion Quezon defeated the ICC Negros Blue Hawks, 25-17, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, moving to solo second place with a 4-1 record. Last season’s runner-up Biñan escaped a tough challenge from host Pasay, 22-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-17, 15-13, improving to 3-1.
Zamantha Nolasco fired 12 points for the Tangerines, while Shahanna Lleses and Clydel Catarig added 10 each. Quezon, represented by the four-peat NCAA champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, notched its fourth consecutive win after losing to Dasmariñas in the season opener.
Laika Tudlasan spearheaded Biñan’s offense with 20 points, while Samantha Gabrielle Tiratira and Marianne Lei Padillon added 14 points apiece in a quick payback after last week’s loss to Quezon.
Andrea Caparal led the Blue Hawks with 19 points, who dropped to 1-4, while veteran spiker Aiko Urdas matched that output for the Lady Voyagers, whose three-game winning streak was snapped at 4-2.
