MANILA, Philippines — Quezon withstood the tough challenge of Biñan Tatak Gel 1-Pacman Partylist in a nip-and-tuck five-setter before eking out a 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 17-15 victory to inch closer to Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) crown on Monday night at Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.

The Tangerines blew a 2-1 advantage and went down 10-13 in the fifth set before Rhea Densing and Cristy Ondangan came to the rescue to claim Game 1 for the visiting squad, who will try to clinch the title at Quezon Convention Center in Lucena on Wednesday.

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Tied at 15-all, Ondangan drilled the last two points of the extended fifth set—a go-ahead cross-court hit and a game-winning block—to finish with 19 points on 15 hits, two aces, and two blocks and take the opener of the best-of-three finals series founded by former Senator and also MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao and organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

READ: MPVA: Biñan underdog in finals showdown vs Quezon

Densing delivered a game-high 22 points for Quezonm while Mary Grace Borromeo and Mycah Go chipped in 18 and 14 points, respectively.

With the home crowd behind, Biñan melted Quezon’s 2-1 set lead with a gutsy fourth-set win and was on the verge of completing another stunner only to lose steam when it mattered the most.

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May Anne Nuique powered Biñan’s comeback with 19 points, while Erika Jin Deloria and Shane Carmona had 16 and 10 points, respectively.

READ: MPVA: Quezon reaches finals, Biñan forces decider

Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation swept the skidding Bacoor, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22, to salvage the bronze medal.

Johna Denise Dolorito and Janeth Tulang took home as Rizal with 13 and 10 points, respectively. 

Winnie Bedaña had 11 for Bacoor, settling for fourth place this time after ruling the inaugural edition of the MPVA after losing three straight games.