MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts aims for a strong showing at the 2022 Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals starting today at the Nagano Gymnasium in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
This is the third straight time that the Thunderbolts are representing Western Visayas in the national competition following their stints in 2018 (bronze medal) and 2019 (fourth place).
Leading the way for the Thunderbolts are Katherine Shaine Cortez, Amber Lily Biong, Gwen Bañas, Dona Mae De Leon, Alexia Marie Montoro, Ana Hermosura, and Jothea Mae Ramos.
Completing the roster of the squad to be handled by Ian Macariola and Roberto Calamba Jr. are Camila Amor Bartolome, Jihan Isabelle Chuatico, Alijah Marie Ysulan, Patricia Grace Hiponia, and Rhose Viane Almendralejo.
“We are here to gain experience to prepare us for the regional tournaments but we will also aim for at least a finals appearance or championship if possible,” Calamba told Panay News.
“But, rest assured, we will do our very best to represent the Western Visayas well,” he added. “Just like in the other tournaments that we played in, we will give our best each game.”
As part of their preparation, the Thunderbolts had tune-up matches against the University of Santo Tomas Junior Tigresses, newly-crowned NAASCU champion Enderun College Titans, San Beda Lady Red Spikers, and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
“We are confident of our chances here,” said Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo. “I can say that this is the best composition of the Bacolod Tay Tung team that we sent here in the Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals.”
The Thunderbolts were in Pool B of the competition along with University of Bohol, Leyte National High School, Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School and Naga College Foundation.
Meanwhile, teams in the Pool A were Nazareth School of National University Lady Bullpups, Sto. Nino National High School, California Academy, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and Kong Hua School./PN