By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, representing Western Visayas (WV), swept the elementary and secondary girls volleyball division in Cluster 3 of the Pre-Palarong Pambansa Qualifying Meet over the weekend.

The WV elementary girls volleyball finished on top of their division after a 25-16, 25-19 sweep of Region 7 (Central Visayas) at the University of Southern Philippines Covered Court in Cebu City.

Samantha Cañete emerged as the Most Valuable Player as she led the Roberto Calamba, Jr.-mentored elementary Thunderbolts team on offense in the entire three-day qualification meet.

Other members of the squad were Marishka Andrada, Arianne Alayon, Czarina Ang, Maria Coronica, Adriana Escultura, Adriel Montalbo, Yerief Montalbo, Miley Panganiban, Jessica Soco, Sheree Uy, and Mary Wongyan.

The WV secondary girls volleyball team also clinched the championship in the division after beating Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) in straight sets, 25-5, 25-7, 25-22. 

Ana Hermosura was named as the Most Valuable Player after steering the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts-represented squad to a perfect record in the qualifier.

Also part of the Ian Macariola-mentored team were Katherine Shaine Cortez, Alex Montoro, Dona Mae de Leon, Mary Antonette Bontia, Jothea Ramos, Joenil Ramos, Rhose Vianne Almendralejo, Jihan Chuatico, Alijah Ysulan, Patricia Hiponia, and Camila Amor Bartolome.

Both the elementary and secondary girls volleyball teams of the Thunderbolts are advancing to the 2023 Palarong Pambansa to be held this July in Marikina City.

Meanwhile, the WV secondary boys volleyball team, represented by Living Stones International School, salvaged a bronze medal finish following a 25-17, 25-23, 25-22 win over Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula)./ASC, WDJ