MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts captured the Batang Pinoy National Finals 2018 girls volleyball crown with a 25-11, 25-16 domination over Negros Occidental – St. John’s Institute yesterday at the University of Cordilleras Gym in Baguio City.
Veterans Alyssa Bertolano, Shane Carmona, Kiesha Bedonia, and Katherine Cortez anchored the offense of the Bacolod City representatives to claim the championship in the annual event backed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
After starting the set down by two, the Thunderbolts countered with a huge run behind Bertolano and Carmona for a 15-5 advantage. Negros made a slight run at 11-18 but the Thunderbolts answered with seven straight points to close the set.
In the second frame, the Thunderbolts surged to a 5-0 start for a 20-11 advantage. Negros attempted to come close at 16-21 but the Bacolodnon finished off the match with four straight points.
“We are glad that the girls have maintained their aggressiveness in the finals match. We just reminded them not to take Negros lightly even if we have beaten them before,” said Thunderbolts assistant coach Biboy Calamba.
Other members of the Thunderbolts team of head coach Ian Macariola were Rhean Almendralejo, Alvea Claudette Alvero, Gwen Banas, Annikha Cabasac, Nicolei Galvan, Kathleen Kate Tan, and Charlene Tayapad.
On their way to the championship round, the Thunderbolts defeated Marikina City in straight sets, while Negros Occidental battled back from a set down to dispatch Baguio selection.
Meanwhile, Antique clinched the third place trophy in boys volleyball following a 25-22, 18-25, 15-11 victory over Baguio City in the battle-for-third place at the Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary.
“I am proud of our performance even if we fell short of the championship,” said Antique head coach Eddie Yogore Jr. “What is important is we know to ourselves that we fight with dignity, pride and honor and we brought in the players that are really 15 and under.”/PN
