ILOILO City – Chery Tiggo Thunderbolts looks to continue its winning ways as it competes in the Gametime National 20-Under Women’s Volleyball League beginning Friday in Maasin, Iloilo.
According to Thunderbolts mentor Roberto Calamba Jr., the squad hopes to make it three in a row after ruling the Bacolod Negros Legends one-day league and 2022 Mayor JPT New Normal Volleyball Invitational recently.
“I just hope that the players will once again display the same intensity and hunger,” Calamba said. “We expect this to be tough and competitive tournament. We just have to be ready.”
Bannering the Thunderbolts roster were JPT New Normal Tournament MVP and Best Opposite Spiker Alex Montoro and Best Setter awardee Katherine Shaine Cortez.
Also in the lineup were Annikha Cabasac, Jan Ysabelle Chua, Gwen Bañas, Amber Biong, Jermaine Joniega, Patricia Grace Hiponia, Alexa Bertolano, Aurea Alvero, Alijah Ysulan, Cheska Peñol, Elphie Cahilig and Antheia Galicia.
One of the teams looking to beat the Thunderbolts was sister team Toby’s Sports-Bacolod, composed of players from the national U-17 girls volleyball team.
Toby’s Sports-Bacolod, handled by Ian Macariola, placed runner up to the Thunderbolts in the 2022 Mayor JPT New Normal Volleyball Invitational last week.
Among the players of Toby’s Sports were Ilonggas Ana Francessca Hermusora, Mary Karylle Suplico, Zacchea Venize Maganto and Camila Amor Bartolome as its players.
Completing the squad of Ian Macariola were Kimberly Rubin, Jan Rose Bulak, Rhose Viane Almendralejo, Lana Madrigal, Caitlin Espinosa, Keziah Celine Delos Reyes, Jothea Ramos, Joenil Ramos and Dona Mae De Leon.
Aside from the two, the other teams in the tournament were St. Alexius, Aklan Volleyball Club, King’s Montessori School, J. Blazers, Guimaras, F’J Smashers, San Miguel and Pythons./PN
