By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Isabela West Elementary School bucked the odds to capture the elementary boys’ volleyball championship in the 2024 Palarong Panlalawigan recently held in Bacolod City.

The Municipality of Isabela representatives clinched the qualifying tournament title after defeating the squad from Negros Occidental’s Silay City in a one-game finale held at the Montalbo Covered Court.

Sean Philip Ravelo, Jr. showed consistency the entire tournament to be named Most Valuable Player, Best Opposite Spiker and 1st Best Middle Blocker, while Hezekiel Dumilag bagged the 1st Best Outside Hitter and 2nd Best Middle Blocker citations.

Also part of the team are Aldren Complesa, Hernando Pediongola II, John Rick Magtubo, John Denver Pacurib, Jacob Matthew Mabalot, Zhen Kian Londres, Jearho Ardentis, Mhaco Hiro Biolangco, Kenshei Trespeces, and Renz Gabrielle Lego.

Isabela West Elementary School had a remarkable campaign as they swept their elimination round games against Cadiz City, Bacolod, Kabankalan City, and Silay City.

The squad of head coach Mark Jun Lasquite and assistant coach Mary Jane Ampordan then survived La Carlota City in the quarterfinals round before prevailing over Himamaylan City in the semifinals.

“I want to give credit to my players for giving their best in this competition,” Lasquite said.

“I think no one expected us to reach this far, but the players showed their determination and their desire to win,” he said.

“There are a lot of people who have helped us to reach this far, and we want to share this glory with them, but we are not content with this, and we will attempt to move further,” he added.

After ruling the Palarong Panlalawigan, Isabela West Elementary School will represent NOPSSCEA in the 2024 WVRAA Meet slated to take place in Bacolod later this month.

“We are so proud and inspired by their success [in Palarong Panlalawigan],” Isabela Vice Mayor Juan Mig Montilla said.

“I want to congratulate the proud parents and coaches of this team,” he added./ASC, WDJ