SAN JOSE, Antique – Negros Occidental, represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, retained their crown in the WVRAA Meet secondary girls volleyball on Thursday at the Binirayan Sports Complex here.
The Negrense team showcased their dominance to defeat host Antique, represented by Antique National School, in straight sets, 25-15, 25-10, 25-10, in the gold medal match.
Bannering the Negros Occidental team were Rhose Vianne Almendralejo, Brianna Ang, Camila Amor Bartolome, Alexa Bertolano, Rhea Tomas, and Jan Rose Bulak.
Also part of the team were Czarina Dosayla, Joenil Anne Ramos, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Abigael Labajo, Caitlin Espinosa, and Edz Karylle Escultura. Serving as head coach is Ian Macariola and Jose Montalbo as team manager.
With the victory, Negros Occidental earned the right to represent Western Visayas in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where the province will aim for their third consecutive championship.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental elementary girls volleyball team, also represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, settled for a runner up finish over at the Sibalom Gym.
The Roberto Calamba Jr.-mentored Thunderbolts dropped a close 13-25, 25-16, 25-23 defeat to Iloilo, represented by La Paz 1 Elementary School, in the finals round. Jelliane Saban was named MVP.
Calamba, however, said in an interview with Panay News that there are some questionable calls by the referees, especially in the third set, which affected the game.
“I think there are some calls that could have gone either way. I am planning to seek a clarification with the technical committee,” Calamba said. “It is unfair for the efforts of the players that their dreams of reaching Palarong Pambansa is dashed by bad officiating.”
In the elementary boys volleyball, Negros Occidental, represented by Murcia, earned their slot to Palarong Pambansa after a 21-25, 25-21, 25-18, victory over Iloilo in the finals.
In the secondary boys volleyball, Iloilo, represented by Hua Siong College of Iloilo, also moved on to the Palaro after defeating their opponent from Negros Occidental./PN
