MPVA: Bacoor claims last semis slot, sweeps Valenzuela

Bacoor Strikers during a game against Valenzuela in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA). MPVA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Bacoor completed the semifinals cast of the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) after sweeping the also-ran Valenzuela, 25-14, 25-18, 25-22, on Sunday night at Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

Coming from a long break, the Strikers treated their home crowd with a solid win to secure the last Final Four berth with a 10-3 record with a chance to earn the remaining twice-to-beat bonus.

Bacoor joined the twice-to-beat top seed Quezon, which has a 13-1 record, as well as Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation (10-4) and Biñan Tatak Gel (10-5) in the two-round MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines and founded by MPBL chairman and former senator Manny Pacquiao.

READ: MPVA: Biñan clinches semis spot, Quezon secures top seed

Cyrille Alemeniana led the collective effort of the Strikers with 13 points, while Jemalyn Menor and Camille Bustamante chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively.

Bacoor bounced back from a tough 18-25, 25-23, 16-25 18-25 loss to Quezon, which derailed its Final Four entry.

Valenzuela lost its 12th in 14 games despite Abegail Nuval’s 12 points.

READ: MPVA: Biñan, San Juan bolster Final Four bids with crucial wins

Meanwhile, AM Caloocan Air Force took care of business, beating the also-ran ICC Negros, 25-15, 25-15, 28-26, but it bombed out of semis contention after Bacoor’s win.

Iari Yongco-Quimson powered Caloocan with 14 points. Jozza Mae Cabalsa had 12 points to improve to 6-7.

Andrea Caparal had 16 points but Negros dropped to a 4-10 record.