DEFENDING champion National University Nazareth School (NUNS) booked a place in the quarterfinals after defeating California Academy, 25-22, 25-13, in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 on Sunday at the La Salle Green Hills gym in Mandaluyong City.

Xyz Rayco led the Lady Bullpups with seven points, helping them notch their third consecutive win in Pool A. Ysabella Cruz chipped in six points, while Jhayna Bulandres, Raine Alonzo, and Jaila Adrao added four points each for NUNS, which is eyeing a sweep of the group stage against Bethel Academy on Monday.

Bacolod Tay Tung, last year’s runner-up, also advanced to the next round after defeating Holy Rosary College, 25-17, 25-18, for its third straight win in Pool B.

Rhose Almendralejo powered the Thunderbolts with a game-high 18 points, while Alexa Bertolano contributed seven.

Immaculate Conception College secured the remaining Pool B quarterfinal berth after outlasting reigning NCAA champion Perpetual Help, 11-25, 25-14, 16-14, to finish with a 3-0 record.

Bacolod Tay Tung and Immaculate Conception College will face off on Monday to determine their respective seedings in the next round.

Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel improved its Pool D campaign with a 25-20, 25-21 win over Chiang Kai Shek College, marking its second victory in four matches.

In Division 2, Corpus Christi School advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominant 25-11, 25-7 win over The Beacon Academy, finishing Pool E play with a perfect 4-0 record.

Also moving on were NUNS-B (Pool G) and Bacolod Tay Tung-B (Pool H).

Other results saw Miriam College defeat MGC-New Life Christian Academy, 25-18, 25-19, in Pool E, while St. Theresa’s College–Quezon City beat Everest International Academy, 25-13, 25-22. Guest team Diverse Auckland Cubs also topped Poveda College, 25-23, 25-16, in Pool F.