SAN CARLOS City – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts bagged the girls U-18 category title in the San Carlos City Invitational Age-Group Volleyball Festival on Monday afternoon at the Barangay 4 Covered Court here.
Behind the solid showing of Dona Mae De Leon, the U-18 Thunderbolts ruled their division with a 29-27, 25-16 beating of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in the finals.
De Leon, who was part of the national U-18 girls volleyball team that recently competed in Thailand, was named as the Most Valuable Player in the U-18 category for her consistent performance.
De Leon’s national U-18 teammates Katherine Shaine Cortez, Jothea Mae Ramos and Joenil Ramos and national U-19 girls volleyball team member Jihann Chuatico also provided solid contributions to the championship.
The U-18 Thunderbolts were pushed to the limit in the extended first set before starting strong in the second set with a quick double-digit lead en route to a straight-set romp.
Other members of the U-18 Thunderbolts were Gwen Bañas, Amber Lily Biong, Alex Montoro, Ysabelle Chua, Sophie Cagalawan, Patricia Grace Hiponia and Anthiea Nishant Galicia.
The U-18’s triumph completed Bacolod Tay Tung High School’s sweep of the girls division of three-day volleyfest after the Thunderbolts’ U-14 and U-12 teams also ruled their respective divisions.
“Dona has really showed tremendous improvement but our other players also stepped up and contributed to this championship,” said assistant coach Roberto Calamba Jr.
The Thunderbolts’ U-14 squad clinched their title with a come-from-behind 16-25 25-18 15-10 beating of Talisay with Kimberly Rubin being named as MVP.
The Thunderbolts U-12 team, on the other hand, swept San Carlos City in their finale, 25-14, 25-9, with Alexa Bertolano being named as the division MVP.
The San Carlos City Invitational Age-Group Volleyball Festival was part of the City’s 62nd Charter Day Anniversary./PN
