Red-hot Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation Inc. dominated Negros ICC, 25-17, 25-14, 28-26, while AM Caloocan Air Force overpowered Valenzuela Classy, 25-15, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) on Thursday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The victory marked Rizal’s fourth straight win, improving their record to 10-3, just behind league-leader Quezon Tangerines (10-1). With several games remaining, Rizal is still in contention for the top seed in the emerging volleyball league, which was founded by former Senator and MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Vanessa Yvonne Martin led Rizal with 10 points, contributing eight attacks, one ace, and one block.
Janeth Tulang and Roxie Dela Cruz added eight points each in a balanced offensive effort.
Rizal’s last loss came against the third-placed Bacoor, but the team has since bounced back with convincing wins over Marikina, Biñan, and San Juan, solidifying their campaign for a shot at overtaking Quezon.
Joan Doguna and Johna Denise Dolorito chipped in seven points apiece for Rizal in the win.
In the other match, veteran spiker Aiko Urdas led the AM Spikers with 14 points, all from attacks, to guide Caloocan to a crucial victory over Valenzuela.
The win elevated Caloocan’s record to 5-5, putting them just one game behind Biñan Tatak Gel (6-5) in the race for the fourth playoff spot in the nine-team league.
The top four teams will advance to the playoffs after the two-round eliminations, with the top two teams earning a twice-to-beat advantage.
The MPVA is supported by Extreme One-Stop Shop Appliances, ASICS, Mikasa, and Gerflor, with MPTV and Outcomm as broadcast partners.
Gelah Marie Lopez led ICC Negros with 17 points, but the loss dropped the team to seventh place with a 4-6 record.
Valenzuela, meanwhile, remained in eighth with a 2-8 record, despite solid performances from Lilet Mabbayad and Javen Sabas, who scored 12 points each.
