MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts secured a seat in the semifinals of the 2024 Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals after sweeping their four group stage matches.
The Roberto “Biboy” Calamba-mentored Thunderbolts capped off their group stage games with a 25-23, 25-14 win over Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (General Santos City) on Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jothea Ramos, who is reportedly gaining interest from University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, anchored the offense for the Thunderbolts along with Ilongga Ana Francessca Hermosura to easily beat the General Santos City-based squad.
“So far, maganda ang performance na ipinapakita ng mga bata,” Calamba told Panay News on Friday. “Since our first game here sa National Finals, the players are slowly improving each game.”
“Sweeping the group stage is not enough, we came here to win the crown, so hopefully the players will display the same fire and energy to complete our mission this Saturday,” he added.
The Thunderbolts opened their campaign with a come-from-behind 23-25, 25-16, 25-15 victory over the Sto. Niño National High School (Davao del Norte) on Monday at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Bacolod City-based volleyball team followed this up with a 25-16, 25-14 victory over Corpus Christi School (Cagayan de Oro) on Tuesday and 25-13 25-12 beating of De La Salle Lipa (Batangas) on Wednesday.
The Thunderbolts will now head to the semifinals round this morning against the University of San Jose Recoletos for a chance to compete in the championship round later in the day.
“I told the players na never pa kami nakaabot sa championship ng Rebisco tournament so it will be extra special if we can go all the way here,” said Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo.
“Just like our Palarong Pambansa win last year, it will be a historic moment for the Thunderbolts volleyball program if we can go home to Bacolod City with the national title,” he added./PN
