MANILA – The 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) season opened with fireworks as debuting squad Dasmariñas City Monarchs shocked reigning champion Quezon Tangerines in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, before a roaring home crowd at the Dasmariñas City Arena.
Fueled by National University Lady Bulldogs standouts, the Monarchs displayed poise and firepower to complete the sweep. Celine Marsh spearheaded the charge with 16 points, including five in the decisive third set, while Vange Alinsug and Myrtle Escanlar added 11 and eight, respectively. Alexa Nichole Mata and Minerva Maaya chipped in six apiece.
“This project is more than just putting up lights; it’s about giving our athletes, especially the youth, a safe, professional, and inspiring venue where they can play, train, and even dream bigger. Sports teaches discipline and camaraderie, and it builds pride for our city,” Marsh said.
The victory also marked a successful debut for head coach Regine Diego, who took over in the offseason after previously handling PVL club F2 Logistics. The Monarchs, now without NU icons Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon, proved they are still a force to reckon with.
Quezon, guided by College of St. Benilde mentor Jerry Yee, leaned on Zam Nolasco’s 17-point effort but struggled to match Dasmariñas’ composure in crunch time. The Tangerines had been dominant last year, going 17-2 and sweeping Biñan in the finals after a flawless 9-0 start.
In the day’s curtain-raiser, expansion team Pasay City Lady Voyagers pulled off a gritty five-set triumph over the Negros ICC Blue Hawks, 25-23, 13-25, 25-17, 23-25, 15-8.
Pasay drew balanced production from Iari Quimson and Florize Anne Papa with 13 points each, while Euricka Eslapor tallied 12. Angel Mae Antipuesto (9), Jozza Mae Cabalsa (8), and Aiko Urdas (8) also delivered in the franchise’s historic first MPVA win.
Negros, paced by Andrea Caparal’s 17 markers and supported by Angeliz Cosme (13) and Gelah Lopez (12), came close to forcing an upset but fell short in the decider./PN
