MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts still advanced to the semifinals of the 2019 Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals despite being pounded by Hawaii, 25-21, 25-16, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Gennezia Hawkins, Rebecca Sakoda and setter Bryanne Soares proved to be the thorns on the side of the Thunderbolts on Thursday night. They pounded their opposition with quick hits to clinch a fifth win in as many games.
Hawaii surged to a 10-4 start behind hits from Sakoda and Hawkins but the Thunderbolts kept the match close and trimmed the deficit to two points.
Hawaii leaned on its powerful hits to close the set.
It again started strong in the second set with Sakoda and Soares connecting well before they pound on the Thunderbolts’ errors to finish the match in just two sets.
“This is a learning experience for us and the coaching staff is glad that the players gave their best,” said Thunderbolts assistant coach Roberto Calamba Jr. “We will now prepare for the semifinals against Thailand.”
The Thunderbolts ended their campaign with 4-1 win-loss record and will face 33B of Thailand in the semifinals round this morning.
The battle-for-third and championship game is slated this afternoon./PN
