League leader Quezon secured the first twice-to-beat semifinal advantage by dominating Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association Season 1 over the weekend at the Quezon Convention Center.
Four Quezon players scored in double figures, ensuring a Top-2 finish at 12-1 with three games remaining in the two-round, nine-team MPVA, founded by former Senator and MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
With only four possible losses, Quezon has secured an upper hand over Rizal, which now stands at 10-4. Quezon swept both meetings against Rizal, guaranteeing them a finish no lower than second place. Bacoor, at 9-2, remains in contention for the other twice-to-beat incentive and could potentially snatch the top seed.
Quezon’s victory was powered by Cristy Ondangan, who delivered 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks.
Mary Grace Borromeo added 12 points, while Rhea Mae Densing and Francis Mycah Go contributed 11 each.
Quezon swept its home weekend, having also defeated AM Caloocan Air Force, 23-25, 25-14, 25-21, 25-12, on Saturday.
The Tangerines, who defeated Rizal in four sets during the first round, were determined not to be denied again, especially in front of their passionate home crowd.
This victory further cemented their status as top title contenders in their debut season as an expansion team in the MPVA, backed by sponsors Extreme One-Stop Shop Appliances, ASICS, Mikasa, and Gerflor, with MPTV and Outcomm as broadcast partners.
In another match, Biñan Tatak Gel dominated winless WCC Marikina, 25-15, 25-17, 25-12, to bolster their semifinal hopes.
Shane Carmona and Chreizel Aguilar led the Volley Angels with 11 points each, solidifying their hold on fourth place at 7-5.
Biñan’s win kept AM Caloocan Air Force (5-6) at bay in the intense race for the semifinals, as the MPVA, organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines, approaches its final stages.
Johna Denise Dolorito scored 12 points for Rizal (10-4), while Karla Concepcion’s six points stood out for the also-ran Marikina (0-13).
