By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts is eyeing for a strong performance in the 2024 Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City starting today.
This is the fourth straight time that the Thunderbolts are representing Western Visayas in the national competition following their stints in 2018 (bronze medal), 2019 (fourth place) and 2022 (bronze medal).
Bannering the Thunderbolts roster are Jihan Isabelle Chuatico, Dona Mae de Leon, Alexia Montoro, Alijah Ysulan, Patricia Hiponia, and Jothea Ramos, who is rumored to be headed to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Also part of the Thunderbolts’ lineup are Camila Amor Bartolome, Joenil Ramos, Rhose Almendralejo, Ana Francessca Hermosura, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Briana Ang, Jan Rose Bulak, Czarina Dosayla, Mary Antonette Bontia, and Rhea Tomas.
“We are here to gain experience to prepare us for our Palarong Pambansa title defense, but we will also aim for at least a finals appearance or championship if possible,” Thunderbolts interim coach Roberto “Biboy” Calamba, Jr. said.
“But, rest assured, we will do our very best to represent Western Visayas well,” he said.
“Just like in the other tournaments that we played in, we will give our best each game,” he added.
As part of their preparations, the Thunderbolts had a practice session with the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers, and tuneup matches with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights over the weekend.
“We are confident of our chances here,” Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo said.
“I can say that this is the best composition of the Bacolod Tay Tung team that we sent here in the Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals,” he added.
The Thunderbolts are in Pool B along with Sto. Niño National High School (Davao del Norte), Corpus Christi School (Cagayan de Oro), De La Salle Lipa (Batangas), and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (General Santos City).
The group stage games are to be held from January 8 to 12, while the crossover semifinals and the championship match are scheduled at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, January 13./ASC, WDJ