MANILA, Philippines — Biñan and San Juan boosted their respective semifinal bids after beating separate foes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) Season 1 on Wednesday at Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.
Inspired by its home crowd, Biñan Tatak Gel swept ICC Negros, 25-16, 25-16, 26-24, to tighten its grip on the fourth place.
Erika Jin Deloria led the Volley Angels’ domination in the first two sets en route to a 9-5 record in the nine-team MPVA league founded by former Senator and also MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao and organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
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Deloria fired 18 kills to finish with 19 points for Biñan, while receiving ample support from Shane Carmona and Chreizel Aguilar, who had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Biñan is eyeing three straight wins at home against Caloocan, following Tuesday’s win over the Valenzuela Classy, 25-14, 25-17, 25-22.
Negros slid to a 4-9 record with Christa Lynn Collado being the lone bright spot with nine points.
Meanwhile, San Juan Lady Knights kept their Final Four chances on track after eking out a thrilling 25-9, 25-11, 19-25, 15-25, 15-10 win over Valenzuela.
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Gregchelle Grace Cabadin and Chamberlaine Cuñada restored the order for San Juan after blowing a two-set lead, delivering the heroics to stay in fifth place with a 6-7 record behind No.4 Biñan. They are currently ahead of AM Caloocan Air Force (5-7) in the homestretch of the two-round MPVA.
Cabadin led the Lady Knights with 15 points, while Cuñada had 13 to backstop their top scorer.
San Juan recently pulled off a come-from-behind 22-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-14, 15-12 win over Negros on Tuesday also in Biñan.
Valenzuela absorbed its 10th loss in 12 games with Javen Sabas and Abegail Nuval carrying the cudgels with 14 points apiece.