Monarchs a game away from season sweep

MANILA, Philippines — The Dasmariñas Monarchs zeroed in on a season sweep after making short work of challenger Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano U Lady Chiefs, 25-21, 25-10, 25-15, in Game 1 of the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) finals on Wednesday night at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Sam Cantada scored 15 points as the Monarchs needed only over an hour to dispatch the Lady Chiefs for a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three titular showdown of the regional league founded by MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.

It’s the 15th straight win for the Monarchs and another one at home at the Dasmariñas Arena on Sunday would put them in a league of their own as the first undefeated team in MPVA’s three seasons so far.

And more than that, Dasma represented by the NU team, could add the regional volleyball league to its growing treasure chest in a Philippine volleyball dynasty glittered by three titles in the UAAP and four crowns in the Shakey’s Super League.

Also making it happen was team captain Vange Alinsug with 13 points in a steady duty to lead NU’s rebuilding era following the graduation of its core led by the power duo of Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen. It’s no problem for NU so far with anchor Minierva Maaya adding seven points while Natasha Kaye Bombita, Abegail Pono, Celine Marsh and Harlyn Serneche chipped in four points each.