By Rowena Cruz The top-seeded Quezon Tangerines secure their spot in the MPVA Finals after a thrilling five-set victory. (Photo from Quezon ...
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| The top-seeded Quezon Tangerines secure their spot in the MPVA Finals after a thrilling five-set victory. (Photo from Quezon Tangerines) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The top-seeded Quezon Tangerines punched their ticket to the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) finals on November 18, 2024 with a hard-fought victory over the Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation. The Tangerines overcame a determined challenge from the lowest-ranked team in a thrilling five-set match at the Bacoor Strike Gym, ultimately securing their spot in the championship round.
The Tangerines emerged victorious after a hard-fought five-set battle, with the final score reading 25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10. This captivating match was a testament to the rising talent and competitive spirit within the MPVA, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final point.
Quezon, an expansion team in the league founded by former senator and MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao, has quickly established themselves as a dominant force. They lost only two games throughout the 16-game elimination round, both to Biñan and Negros in non-bearing matches late in the tournament.
With a core comprised of three-peat NCAA champion St. Benilde players like Cristy Ondangan, Mary Grace Borromeo, Rhea Mae Densing and Francis Mycah Go, the Tangerines entered the semifinals as heavy favorites against the No. 4 seed Rizal (11-5). This experience and talent proved invaluable as they navigated the challenges posed by a determined Rizal squad.
This dominance was evident in their previous encounters with Rizal, where Quezon held a 2-0 head-to-head advantage. The Tangerines had only dropped one set to Rizal in those two matches, winning 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 and 25-14, 27-29, 25-19, 25-14.
However, Rizal, despite being the underdog, was determined to push Quezon to the limit and force a deciding Game 2. They showcased their own strengths and resilience, refusing to back down against the tournament favorites.
Despite their initial dominance, the Tangerines found themselves in a battle. Rizal's fightback was fueled by their desire to prove that they belonged on the same court as the tournament favorites, showcasing the competitive spirit of the MPVA.
The Tangerines leaned on the veteran leadership of Rhea Mae Densing and Francis Mycah Go in the final set. Densing delivered a game-high 29 points, showcasing her offensive firepower and clutch performance ability. Go provided crucial support with 23 points, proving to be a reliable second scoring option. The duo combined for eight points in the fifth set, with their experience and composure proving invaluable in the tense moments.
Quezon now awaits the winner of the other semifinal match between No. 2 Bacoor and No. 3 Biñan. The championship showdown promises to be an exciting affair, with the Tangerines eager to cap off their impressive debut season with a title.
The MPVA has proven to be a thrilling addition to the Philippine volleyball scene, with its competitive balance and exciting matches showcasing the growing talent in the sport. This league provides a platform for athletes to shine and for fans to enjoy high-quality volleyball action.
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