By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros ICC Blue Hawks kept their playoff hopes alive and kicking with a 25-18, 25-11, 25-23 win over the listless Caloocan AM Spikers in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) at the Marikina Sports Center on Saturday night, November 22.

Andrea Caparal led the way with 14 points as the Blue Hawks improved to 5-7 to trim the gap from the Pasay Lady Voyagers at 6-8 for the last semifinal seat.

Caparal drew solid coverage from Samantha Catamora and Frima Joy Casera with 12 and 11 points, respectively, to stay in contention with two games to spare in the upstart regional volleyball league.

Angelique Ledesma and Sheeka Gin Espinosa had 10 and nine points, respectively, for the also-run Caloocan, which stayed in the cellar and was already eliminated since the start of the second round at 1-12.

Pasay, on the other hand, bowed out of semis contention after absorbing a costly 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 25-27 loss to the third-running Biñan Tatak Gel – Arellano University Lady Chiefs in the other game.

Serving instrumental for the Lady Chiefs were Laika Tudlasan, Keisha Alexa Abitria and Samantha Gabrielle Tiratira with 18, 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Biñan has to win its last game and hope for the Quezon Tangerines to lose its final two matches to earn a shot at the second seed of the MPVA.

Aiko Urdas scored 13 points, while Iari Quimson and Angel Mae Antipuesto posted 12 points each in another costly defeat for Pasay in the rising volleyball league organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, four players rifled in twin figures, led by Crisanta Servidad with 19 points as Biñan climbed to 10-3 to move closer to No. 2 seed and reigning champion Quezon Tangerines (11-1).

Dasma, backed by three-time UAAP and four-peat SSL champion National University Lady Bulldogs, is already assured of a Top 2 finish with a perfect 12-0 slate./ASC, WDJ