Monarchs, Lady Chiefs open MPVA title duel

MANILA, Philippines — Unbeaten Dasma Monarchs and surprise challenger Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano U Lady Chiefs fight for first blood in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) best-of-three finale today at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Game time is at 5 p.m. with the Monarchs setting out as the favorites as they ride the momentum of a perfect run entering the titular series of the upstart regional volleyball league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.

Dasma, albeit a new club, wiped out the two-round elimination then its semifinal series against the Negros ICC Blue Hawks for a 16-0 slate so far.

And the Monarchs have no plan of letting up anytime soon with an ultimate bid to score the first season sweep in the MPVA.

Aside from enjoying the homecourt advantage, the Monarchs are expected to throw the full power of their deep lineup with the full backing of the mighty National U Lady Bulldogs.

NU, led by team captain Vange Alinsug and super rookie Sam Cantada, is the three-time champion in the UAAP and four-peat titlist in the Shakey’s Super League – thus looking to add the MPVA to its dynastic run even in what’s supposedly a rebuilding era without Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.

But Biñan, as a huge underdog it may be, is out to give Dasma a run for its money.

The Lady Chiefs earned the right to challenge the mighty Monarchs after dethroning reigning champion Quezon Tangerines in the other bracket of the eight-team league backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprise, Gerflor, Smart Communications and XIV Apparel.

Led by Laika Tudlasan and Crisanta Servidad, Biñan pulled off a reverse sweep versus Quezon, 19-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-12, 15-8, in Game 3 of their semis series last weekend.

It’s a fitting revenge for the Lady Chiefs, who absorbed 0-2 sweep in last season’s finals against the Tangerines represented by the four-peat NCAA champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.