Quezon’s Rhea Densing in the MPVA.–MPVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Tangerines averted a late-game collapse before marching to the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) finals.
The twice-to-beat Quezon turned to Rhea Mae Densing’s 29-point eruption to withstand the late threat of the No. 4 Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation in five sets, 25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10, in the semifinals on Monday at Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.
Despite blowing a two-set lead that allowed Rizal to force a fifth set, Densing was too much, scoring four in the decider to finish with 26 kills and three blocks.
READ: MPVA: Rizal thumps Valenzuela ahead of semifinals
Former NCAA MVP Mycah Go also stepped up in the fifth, scoring four of her 24 points in the final set for their first-ever championship appearance in the league founded by former Senator and MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao and organized by Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.
Cristy Ondganan and Mary Grace Borromeo chipped in 14 and eight points, respectively, for the expansion squad composed of College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers.
In their first MPVA stint, the Tangerines ended the two-round eliminations, winning 14 of their 16 games for the top seed and twice-to-beat advantage.
Quezon will face the winner of the knockout semifinal game between Bacoor and Biñan in the best-of-three championship series of the first MPVA home-and-away format.
Biñan during a game against Bacoor in the MPVA.–MPVA PHOTO
The Biñan Tatak Gel 1-Pacman Partylist Volley Angels purged Bacoor City Strikers’ twice-to-beat advantage with a dominant 25-18, 25-18, 25-16 victory.
READ: MPVA: Bacoor clinches twice-to-beat in semifinals
Biñan stunned the inaugural champion’s homestand with Erika Deloria leading the way with 16 points off 14 kills and two aces to force a decider.
May Ann Nuique and Shane Carmona chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, for their first win against the Strikers, who swept them in the elimination round.
Biñan hosts Bacoor on Thursday at Alonte Sports Arena.
Cyrille Joie Alemeniana was the lone bright spot for Bacoor with 10 points.
Rizal, on the other hand, will be relegated to the knockout bronze-medal match against the loser of the other series.
Joan Doguna and Johna Denise Dolorito led Rizal’s comeback with 24 points each, while Janeth Tulang had 15 points only to lose steam in the fifth set.