The Dasma Monarchs moved on the cusp of a sweep with another easy win over the San Juan Lady Knights, 26-16, 25-5, 25-21, in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) on Monday night at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite.
The home team needed only 72 minutes to dispatch the Lady Knights in one of the tournament’s fastest matches highlighted by a mammoth 20-point victory in the second set.
Dasma, a new team backed by the decorated three-time UAAP and four-time SSL champion National University Lady Bulldogs, stretched its unbeaten campaign to 12 wins with two games to spare in the upstart regional volleyball league founded by also MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.
Team captain Vange Alinsug returned with a bang, firing 18 points to spearhead the Monarchs after taking a day off in the team’s 25-19, 12-25, 25-18, 25-18 win over the Negros ICC Blue Hawks last Sunday.
Alinsug and company were coming off a four-peat conquest in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup with a 10-0 sweep last weekend, staying on course for another title this time around in the MPVA.
Backstopping her were Harlyn Serneche and Celine Marsh with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano Lady Chiefs stayed in contention for the second seed after a 25-23, 25-17, 25-15 win over Negros for a 9-3 slate.
Keisha Alexa Abitria scored 12 points while Laika Tudlasan and Crisanta Servidad contributed six points each for Biñan, which has to win all of its remaining matches to have a shot at No. 2 currently held by reigning champion Quezon (11-1).
In the other game, the Pasay Lady Voyagers gained an inside track for the last semifinal spot with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-17 win over the Caloocan AM Spikers.
Krisca Marie Cosmod tallied 12 points while Angel Mae Antipuesto and Aiko Urdas added nine points each for the Pasay, which improved to 6-7 to create enough separation from Negros and San Juan.
With Dasma, Quezon and Biñan already sealing their tickets, only one seat left is up for grabs after the two-round eliminations will advance in the event backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications and XIV Apparel.
