By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Tay Tung High School U-12 Thunderbolts emerged as champions in the 1st JGVC Volleyball League 12-Under category held over the weekend at the Zarraga covered gym in Zarraga, Iloilo.

The U-12 Thunderbolts claimed the championship in the two-day volleyball competition after defeating La Paz Golden Fighters in the finals.

Ariane Alayon was named as the Most Valuable Player while also taking home the Best 1st Outside Hitter award for the Roberto Calamba Jr.-mentored Thunderbolts.

Miel Letran, meanwhile, was recognized as Best 2nd Outside Hitter, Samantha Cañete as Best 1st Middle Blocker and Jemimah Calvo as Best Opposite Spiker.

Also in the team are Marishka Andrada, Yeriel Zafina Montalbo, Kyana Cortez, Zelver Banguiao, Nicole Getino, Luch Vivero, Jessica Soco, Xadrey Española, Miley Panganiban, and Athena Magbanua.

“It was a total team effort by each of the player in the team,” Calamba said. “I am happy that, at their young age, they already won a championship.”

The U-12 Thunderbolts first defeated their group mates JGVC Angels, Pavia-B, WBL, and T&D Volleyball Team.

In the quarterfinals round, Bacolod Tay Tung High School defeated Dumangas squad before prevailing over One Silay Sports in the semifinals round.

Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo, for his part, said the championship of the U-12 is a testament of success of their grassroots program.

“Basta kami we really never stop,” Montalbo said. “We will continue flourishing our grassroots program to give opportunity and develop young and talented volleyball players.”/ASC, WDJ