MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts faltered to Naga College Foundation, 11-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, in the semifinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League over the weekend at the San Andres Gym.
The Thunderbolts failed to capitalize on their 25-11 opening set as they faltered to Naga College Foundation in the next three sets to see their championship aspirations come to an end.
Bacolodnon spiker Arah Ellah Panique spearheaded the offense for Naga College Foundation with 27 points, on 26 attacks and a service ace, to be hailed as the Player of the Game.
“Naka-tsamba na naman. Naunahan kami pero hindi bumigay. Hanggang sa huli, laban talaga. Napakahirap. Puhunan namin dito ‘yung tapang,” said Naga College Foundation head coach Parley Tupaz.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila (after nung first set na) ‘wag bibitaw’. Nung nakatabla na kami, bakit ngayon pa kayo bibitaw. Swerte na pumabor sa amin,” added the Roxas City, Capiz-native volleyball coach.
On the part of the Thunderbolts, which drew 22 points from Alex Montoro in the defeat, they will try to salvage a bronze medal finish in the tournament against UAAP juniors champion Nazareth School of National University Lady Bullpups on June 3.
“We fell short of our goal to reach the championship but the learning experiences our players garnered here in Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational is unmatchable,” said Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo.
“Actually, no one expected us to reach this far because we are a provincial-based team but our players showed different determination and we will try to finish with bronze,” he added.
In the other semifinals game, the Lady Bullpups suffered a massive upset against California Academy, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 27-25, behind the combined 51 points of Jelaic Gajero and Casiey Dongallo.
“It’s a big win for us. It’s a close match and could have been anybody’s game but the girls stayed calm and in control. This Shakey’s GVIL features the best of the best of the Philippines so we’re happy that we’re able to beat the best of UAAP,” said California head coach Obet Vital./PN
