By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negros Occidental girls’ volleyball team is aiming for a title repeat in the secondary girls’ volleyball event of this year’s Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet at the Laguinbanua Elementary School in Aklan province’s Numancia town beginning today.
Team captain Katherine Shaine Cortez said the squad had a lengthy preparation for the meet that served as a qualifier for the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City with other teams determined to knock off the crown from their head.
“The team had a lengthy preparation because we are determined to keep our throne and to represent our region again in Palarong Pambansa,” Cortez told Watchmen Daily Journal on Tuesday, April 25.
“We cannot be complacent even if we are the defending champions because other teams are also eager to beat us,” she said.
“As one of the seniors of the team, hindi ako papayag na matalo kami,” she added.
Also in the Negros volleyball squad were Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts standouts Alex Montoro, Dona Mae de Leon, Joenil Ramos, Mary Antonette Bontia and her sister Jothea.
Completing the team to be handled by Ian Macariola were Rhose Vianne Almendralejo, Jihan Chuatico, Alijah Ysulan, Ana Hermosura, Patricia Hiponia, and Camila Amor Bartolome.
Thunderbolts earned the right to represent Negros Occidental in the WVRAA Meet after topping the Palarong Panlalawigan secondary girls’ volleyball tournament held recently at the University of St. La Salle Gym.
Aside from the secondary girls’ volleyball team, Bacolod Tay Tung High School volleybelles will also be the one representing Negros Occidental in the elementary girls’ volleyball event.
Leading the charge for the 12-Under Thunderbolts were Arianne Alayon, Marishka Andrada, Czarina Ang, Samantha Cañete, Maria Shania Coronica, and Adriana Kaye Escultura.
Completing the squad of head coach Roberto Calamba, Jr. were Adriel Beatrice Montalbo, Yerief Zafina Montalbo, Miley Panganiban, Jessica Jane Soco, Sheree Uy, and Mary Wongyan./ASC, WDJ