By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts clinched the championship in the 1st St. Joseph School-La Salle Volleyball League held recently at the St. Joseph High School Gym in Bacolod City.

The Thunderbolts’ 12-Under squad captured the inaugural championship following a 27-25, 25-11 straight set victory against the San Carlos team in a one-game finale.

Sheree Frederiz Uy was named 1st Best Open Spiker, Annicka Chua as 2nd Best Open Spiker, Mari Cacho as 1st Best Middle Blocker, and Edriana Escultura as 2nd Best Middle Blocker.

Also part of the Thunderbolts team that was handled by Roberto Calamba, Jr. are Regine Wongyan, Czarina Ang, Gail Ordaniel, and Chennie Millama.

“It was a total team effort by each of the players in the team,” Calamba said.

“I am happy that, at their young age, they already won a championship,” he added.

During the elimination round, the 12-Under Thunderbolts prevailed over Darnatics, Felisa Elementary School and the Blue Archers to enter the playoffs round with an unbeaten record.

In the semifinals round, the Thunderbolts pulled off a tight 30-28 victory against St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Baby Falcons before they defeated San Carlos in the gold medal round.

For his part, Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo said that the championship of the U-12 is a testament of the 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,” he added./ASC, WDJ