ILOILO City – Chery Tiggo Thunderbolts clinched the crown in the women’s division of Mayor JPT New Normal Sporting Event Volleyball Invitational last night at the University of San Agustin Gym here.
Led by the efficient play of Alex Montoro, the Thunderbolts cruised to a 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 sweep over Toby’s Sports-Bacolod (UAI) in the championship match.
Montoro was later hailed as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) winner in the three-day tournament organized by Iloilo City Sports Office and was officiated by Iloilo Volleyball Association.
Montoro, a transferee from Trinity Christian School, also bagged the Best Opposite Spiker award while her teammates Katherine Shaine Cortez was named as Best Setter.
The Toby’s Sports-Bacolod, composed of players from national U-17 girls volley team, did not went home empty handed as Kimberly Rubin was named as Best Spiker, Dona Mae de Leon as Best Middle Blocker, Jothea Ramos as Best Server and Mary Suplico as Best Libero.
Chery Tiggo Thunderbolts reached the championship round after a come-from-behind 18-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-19 win over Iloilo City Sports Academy-A.
Toby Sports-Bacolod, on the other hand, entered the gold medal round following a 23-25, 25-16, 14-25, 25-16, 15-13 triumph over Michael’s Volleyball Club.
In the Group stage, Chery Tiggo Thunderbolts topped Group B by winning all their four matches, while Toby Sports-Bacolod also went 4-0 in Group A.
Also part of the Thunderbolts team were Annikha Cabasac, Jan Ysabelle Chua, Amber Biong, Patricia Grace Hiponia, Alexa Bertolano, Aurea Alvero, Alijah Ysulan, Cheska Peñol, Elphie Cahilig and Antheia Galicia Jermaine Joniega.
This was the second consecutive crown for the Roberto Calamba Jr.-mentored crew after also steering the team to a title finish in the Bacolod Negros Legends Volleyball Season 1 earlier this month.
Iloilo City Sports Academy-A, meanwhile, salvaged a bronze medal finish after defeating Michael’s Volleyball Club in the battle-for-third place game. Princess Tumayao was named as Player of the Game./PN
