By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Spikers continued their late surge in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) after bagging back-to-back victories, including a 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 sweep of the Marikina Lady Shoemasters at the Arellano University Gym in Legarda, Manila.

Andrea Caparal paced Negros with 15 points, while Gelah Lopez and Jehiel Moraga added 11 and 10, respectively, to keep the squad within striking distance of the Final 4 with a 3-4 record — just behind Pasay (4-2) and Quezon (4-1).

The Negrenses earlier survived a five-set thriller against the Caloocan AM Spikers, clawing back from two sets down to escape, 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-13, and avoid a major upset.

Despite another strong showing from Brigitte Martinez, who finished with 15 points, Marikina fell to 1-4 for sixth place in the eight-team field of the league organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano Lady Chiefs maintained their winning momentum with a dominant 25-12, 25-14, 25-18 victory over Caloocan.

Laika Tudlasan once again spearheaded Biñan’s attack with 13 points in just 76 minutes of play, steering the Lady Chiefs to their fourth straight win and solo second place at 5-1 — behind only the unbeaten Dasmariñas City Monarchs (5-0).

Biñan also leaned on solid contributions from Samantha Gabrielle Tiratira, Marianne Lei Angelique Padillon, Heart Villaflores, and Kacelyn Punzalan, who each chipped in nine points, while Catherine Domasig added eight in a well-balanced offense.

It was Biñan’s second straight win in as many days following their 25-12, 25-8, 25-14 rout of Marikina in their home stand co-hosted with Arellano University.

Caloocan, led by Rhea Manalo’s seven markers, stayed winless in six outings.

The Lady Chiefs now gear up for a marquee showdown against the defending champion Quezon Tangerines on Saturday, October 25, in Marikina as they continue their pursuit of the top seed./ASC, WDJ