BACOLOD City – Negrense hitter Alyssa Bertolano has been gaining interest from various Manila-based universities following her impressive showing for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts volleyball team.
The Talisay City, Negros Occidental-native Bertolano told Panay News that while interests from universities are such music to the ears, she has yet commit to one of them.
“Actually it is flattering to hear that some schools in Manila are interested in me. It makes me want to strive harder,” Bertolano said. “So far it is the University of the Philippines (Fighting Maroons) who is very persistent.”
“I am open naman to play for any university because the opportunity to play in Manila is already a dream come true for me, but I have not committed to any school yet,” the 17-year-old hitter added.
Bertolano is one of the most sought-after players in this province after spearheading the Thunderbolts to several Palarong Pambansa stints and obtaining golden finishes in the National Private Schools Athletic Association competitions and in the Batang Pinoy.
Now heading to her 12th grade, Bertolano admitted her frustration to not be able to possibly play for the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA)-Bacolod Tay Tung team in her final year of eligibility since the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet will not likely take contest this year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
“It is really frustrating because it’s my last opportunity to represent NOPSSCEA in the WVRAA Meet and, possibly, Western Visayas in Palarong Pambansa. But there are things really that are beyond our control,” Bertolano said.
“Now that I am under home quarantine, I make sure to keep myself in shape. I am doing individual workout and I am playing volleyball games with my siblings,” she added. “I am still hoping that WVRAA Meet could still happen, but I guess I just have to move on.”/PN
