ILOILO City – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts’ girls volleyball team made their presence felt anew by sweeping the two girls division titles in the 2023 Dinagyang Festival Volleyball League on Sunday night at the Jaro Gym here.
The Thunderbolts’ 18-Under squad leaned on the exploits of Alex Montoro as they beat Central Philippine University Golden Lions selection squad in the championship game of the girls 18-Under category.
Montoro, a transferee from Trinity Christian School, showed her prowess in the gold medal match to be hailed as the Finals MVP in the tournament that was organized by Gametime Sports in coordination with the Iloilo City local government unit.
Also carrying the fight for the Ian Macariola and Roberto Calamba Jr.-mentored Thunderbolts crew were graduating players Katherine Shaine Cortez, Amber Lily Biong, Gwen Bañas and Michela Sophie Cagalawan.
Completing the 18-Under Thunderbolts were Dona Mae De Leon, Jothea Mae Ramos. Jihan Isabelle Chuatico, Ana Francessca Hermosura, Patricia Grace Hiponia, Alijah Marie Ysulan, Elphie Grace Cahilig and Antheai Nishant Galicia.
“This was a good start to 2023 for our team,” Calamba said. “The players displayed everything that we have practiced in our trainings and they continue to improve on their mistakes.”
The Thunderbolts’ 15-Under squad were also dominant in their field as they walloped St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Falcons in the 15-Under category finale to complete the tournament sweep.
The Ralph Savellano-mentored crew relied on former national U-18 girls volleyball team members Camila Bartolome, Rhose Almendralejo, Jan Rose Bulak, Caitlin Espinosa and Joenil Anne Ramos in their championship feat.
Also part of the Thunderbolts’ 15-Under roster were Mary Antonette Bontia, Kara Feril, Jam Montalbo, Edz karylle Escultura, Czarina Dosayla, Brianna Ang, Alexa Bertolano and Ana Ysabelle Hermosura.
In the men’s open category, D’Navigators emerged as the champion after beating Tarag Lolek-Cadiz in the gold medal match, while Antique turned back Taft Street Juniors in the 18-Under boys finale./PN
