National University-Dasmarinas continued its dominant run, moving to the brink of a two-round sweep in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association on Friday night at the Lucena Convention Center.
The new-look Dasma squad made short work of cellar-dweller Marikina Lady Shoemasters, 25-11, 25-7, 25-12, improving to a perfect 13-0 slate and further solidifying its reputation as the team to beat in the MPVA, founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Myrtle Escanlar and Harlyn Serneche led the Monarchs with 17 and 14 points, respectively, while Denesse Daylisan, Jenelyn Jacob, and Joseline Patriz Salazar chipped in with eight, seven, and six points to complete the decisive win.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Quezon secured at least a Top Two finish after overcoming the Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano U Lady Chiefs (10-4), 20-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19.
The victory marked Quezon’s 12th straight win at 12-1 and kept the Tangerines in contention for the No. 1 seed in their rematch against Dasma, thanks to a higher set ratio.
Zam Nolasco led Quezon with 19 points, while Rhea Mae Densing and Shahanna Lleses added 15 and 12 points, respectively, powered by the four-peat NCAA champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
In other action, the Negros ICC Blue Hawks eliminated the San Juan Lady Knights with a 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 15-25, 15-9 victory, securing a strong position in the race to the Final Four.
Andrea Caparal led Negros with 20 points as the Blue Hawks improved to 6-7, while San Juan ended its campaign at 4-9.
Negros now controls its own destiny, needing only a win against Marikina to secure a spot in the MPVA Final Four.
Abegail Nuval scored 25 points, while Eloiza Balmedina added seven in losing efforts for San Juan and Marikina (1-12).
Laika Tudlasan (18) and Keisha Alexa Abitria (13) led Biñan, which finished third after being runners-up last season.
The four remaining teams will compete in a best-of-three series starting next week until the finals for the coveted MPVA title, with the semifinal losers facing off in a knockout battle for the bronze medal.
