MANILA – Just like those of other sports teams in the country, the volleyball program of Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts has also been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Thunderbolts assistant coach Roberto Calamba Jr. said it has been a struggle for their players to keep in shape following the absence of competitive games since March 2020.
“It has really affected the team due to COVID-19 pandemic, but we have resorted to online trainings,” Calamba told Panay News. “The players, however, are still adjusting since not all of them have stable internet connections at home.”
“So, our second option is for them to send their training videos. If we find mistakes in the executions, we correct them,” he added. “We just want them to stay fit so that there will not be much adjustments when indoor trainings are already allowed.”
Calamba said the tournament that they are looking forward is the Region 6 qualifiers of the Rebisco Volleyball League which is slated in May.
“With the current pandemic situation, we know that the qualifiers are still tentative, but we are just preparing for it in case that the regional qualifiers will push through,” Calamba said.
“But I know the players are very much eager to play already. Their last tournament was early last year so [it’s almost] a year of inactivity. We are hoping and praying that the COVID-19 situation will normalize,” he added.
Should the Rebisco Volleyball League competition resume, it would be memorable for graduating players Alyssa Bertolano, Kiesha Bedonia and Ann Monares as this will be their final time to represent the Thunderbolts.
Other names in the Thunderbolts lineup were Annikha Cabasac, Katherine Cortez, Aurea Claudette Alvero, Gwen Bañas, Amber Lily Biong, Sophie Cagalawan, Ysabelle Chua, Anthea Galicia, Anna Hermusora, Nicolei Galvan, Jermaine Joniega, Alex Montoro, Charlene Tayapad and Alijah Ysulan./PN
