THE defending champion Perpetual Help-Bacoor City Strikers secured a crucial 4-set, 25-8, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19 victory over the San Juan Lady Knights in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association on Monday night at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.
The win solidified their second-place finish in the MPVA double-round elimination and granted them a twice-to-beat advantage in the upcoming Final Four.
Cyrille Almeniana led the Strikers with a dominant performance, scoring 26 points.
Jemalyn Menor, Camille Bustamante, and Winnie Bedaña also contributed significantly to the team’s victory.
“Sabi ko sa mga bata, kailangan natin itong panalo na ito para makuha natin ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage sa semis. Mabuti naman at umayos ang laro nila, kahit nasa bench ang key player na si Shaila Omipon and Charisse Enrico,” said coach Sandy Rieta.
Meanwhile, the Caloocan AM Spikers continued their strong run, defeating Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation in four sets, 25-22, 25-21, 22-25, 28-26.
Iari Yongco-Quimson once again starred for Caloocan, scoring 27 points.
Negros Oriental ICC Blue Hawks concluded their campaign on a positive note, upsetting the top-ranked Quezon Tangerines in straight sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-12.
The MPVA regular season will conclude on November 13 with matches between Marikina vs. 2PM’s Caloocan, and Valenzuela vs. Rizal.
The Final Four will feature Quezon Province, Bacoor City Strikers, Binan Tatak Gel, and Rizal Province.
