By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts clinched the championship in the 1st Hua Ming Volleyball Cup held at St. John’s Institute Gymnasium in Bacolod City on Monday, May 20.

The Thunderbolts squad captured the inaugural championship following a 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 straight set victory against the De La Salle Zobel Junior Lady Spikers in a one-game finale.

Rhose Vianne Almendralejo continued to stand out for the Thunderbolts as she bagged the Most Valuable Player award, while Joenil Anne Ramos and Czarina Mareela Dosayla clinched the Best Opposite Spiker and 1st Best Outside Spiker, respectively.

Brianna Nikola Ang was crowned the 1st Best Middle Blocker award, Mary Antonette Bontia captured the Best Libero citation, and Jan Rose Bulak took home Best Setter plum.

Also part of the Thunderbolts squad are Camila Amor Bartolome, Edz Karylle Escultura, Kara Sophia Feril, Samantha Yssobel Cañete, Alexa Bertolano, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Abigael Jirah Labajo, and Maria Shannen Bañas.

“It was a total team effort by each of the players in the team,” Thunderbolts head coach Ian Macariola said.

“I am happy that they showed their fighting heart against our tough opponents,” he added.

The Thunderbolts swept all of their four group stage matches against the A&T Volleyball Club, Talisay City Angel’s Wings, La Salle-Integrated School, and Alangilan National High School.

In the semifinals round, the Thunderbolts dominated the Dumaguete Flyers in straight sets, while the Junior Lady Spikers outdueled the Santa Clarita International School Primes, which eventually ended with the bronze medal.

For his part, Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo said the championship of the squad is a testament of the success of their grassroots program.

“Our training really never stops,” Montalbo said.

“We will continue flourishing our grassroots program to give opportunity and develop young and talented volleyball players,” he added./ASC, WDJ