BACOLOD City – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts-A topped the 1st JGM Dreams Foundation-NEFVEI U-15 Volleyball Invitational Tournament held recently at the Montalbo Covered Court here.
Led by Kimberly Chelmei Ibanez Rubin, Cheska Peñol, Joenil Ramos, Rhose Viane Almendralejo, and Caitlin Espinosa, the Thunderbolts-A defeated Iloilo City Sports Academy Volleyball Team in the gold medal match.
It was a tightly-contested golden match between the Bacolod City-based team and the Iloilo City-based volleybelles. It reached four sets before the host team emerged victorious.
Rubin was later hailed as the Most Valuable Player and 1st Best Outside Hitter, Peñol as 2nd Best Outside Hitter, Ramos as Best Opposite Spiker, Almendralejo as 1st Best Middle Spiker, and Espinosa as Best Receiver.
Prior to the finale, the Anthony Blasi-mentored Thunderbolts-A swept their elimination round matches against Michael, Silay City, Talisay City, Iloilo City, Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thundebolts-B and La Carlota City.
Also members of the Thunderbolts-A squad were Lana Madrigal, Jan Rose Bulak, Carla Dosayla, Ryanne Panisales, Elphie Cahilig, Alexa Bertolano, Antonette Bontia, Cassandra Salveron and KC Delos Reyes.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Sports Academy Volleyball Team of head coach Jiggy Gallo did not went home empty handed. Three of his players were cited for individual awards.
Niña Beatrice Maluto was adjudged as the 2nd Best Middle Blocker, Princess Tumayao was awarded as the tournament’s Best Setter and Mary Karylle Suplico was Best Libero.
Jose Montalbo of the JGM Dreams Foundation said that with the success of the inaugural edition of the tournament presented by Negros Federation Volleyball Enthusiasts Inc., they are planning a second edition next year.
“We are delighted with the turnout of our first edition and will be planning a second one for U-15 by March 23 to 26. We will also have a national invitational for U-17 from May 23 to 26,” Montalbo said./PN
