By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts emerged on top in the elementary girls’ volleyball competition of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA).

The elementary Thunderbolts claimed their first-ever championship after unseating two-time defending champions St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Baby Falcons, 27-25 25-20, in the finals at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium in Bacolod City on Saturday, December 10.

Ariane Alayon emerged as the top gun for the Roberto Calamba, Jr.-mentored elementary Thunderbolts, which finally got one over the Baby Falcons after falling short in the previous years.

“This is very special because we finally beat the team that we cannot topple before,” Calamba said.

“They were the two-time defending champions here, so it is really a huge challenge facing them,” he said.

“Good thing our players showed tremendous grace under pressure to keep in step with St. John, and this also proves that our elimination round win against them was not chamba,” he added.

Also part of the elementary Thunderbolts were Alexa Uy, Samantha Cañete, Marishka Andrada, Czarina Ang, Regine Wong Yan, Jessica Soco, Miley Panganiban, and Adriel Montalbo.

Completing the team were Yeriel Montalbo, Chynna Uy, Isabelle Narciso, Shaina Coronico, Adriana Kaye Escultura, and Alynna Hulleza.

Also part of the coaching staff were Samantha Ayuco, Juliane Samonte and Mae Dejanaba.

“This is a huge achievement for Bacolod Tay Tung because it is the first time that we won the elementary girls division of NOPSSCEA,” Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo said.

“The players were really giving their all in the training, practice games and pocket tournaments. They deserve this victory and I am sure they are bound for more success,” he said.

This was the second NOPSSCEA championship for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School after the junior Thunderbolts captured the secondary girls’ volleyball tournament tiara a week ago./ASC, WDJ