By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) took home the crown in the 2023 National PRISAA secondary girls volleyball competition at the Joaquin F. Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City on Monday afternoon, July 17.

Composed mostly of players from Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions, the WVPRISAA team emerged as champions after dominating Region 7 (Central Visayas), represented by University of Bohol, in the one-game finale.

Zacchea Maganto, a former member of the national U-18 girls volleyball team, anchored the Western Visayas-based squad to the championship to be hailed as the Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Spiker.

Meanwhile, Rovy Ann Amuan was hailed as the Best Setter, Jeselle Mae Abrot was awarded with the Best Libero award and Jozline Salazar was recognized as 1st Best Middle Blocker.

Also part of the team were Golden Lions players Yvonny Fajarito, Keicess Estelle Develos, Ayah Isabelle Gaurana, Anne Grace Gabinete, Meg Hondrade, Trixie Pauline Sampiano, and Rossy Marie Sumalacay.

Completing the WVPRISAA crew were Noilyn Gel Amin from Sun Yat Sen High School, Mera Calderon from Hua Siong College of Iloilo and Necole Grace Deala from Santa Clarita International School.

Serving as head coach for the WVPRISAA secondary girls volleyball team is Jeffrey Alcarde with Alain Tarrazona as his assistant coach and Jonah-El Buenvenida as chaperon.

The Golden Lions victory served as a bounce back after they faltered at the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association Meet, represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, in the WVRAA Meet Finals, denying them the right to represent the region in Palarong Pambansa./ASC, WDJ