By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts have emerged as champions in the 15-and-under category of the 64th San Carlos City Charter Day Age-Group Volleyball Invitational Game held recently.

Led by Most Valuable Player winner Alexa Bertolano, the Thunderbolts prevailed over the Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos squad in the finals held at the Barangay 4 covered court city auditorium in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City.

Also part of the Thunderbolts squad are Maria Shannen Bañas, Edz Karylle Escultura, Luchi Vivero, Kara Sophia Feril, Memielle Letran, Marishka Andrada, and Athena Magbanua.

Completing the Gee Banzuela-mentored Thunderbolts team are Zelver Banguiao, Sam Cañete, Xadrej Española, Kyana Cortez, Jessica Soco, Jemai Calvo, Ariane Alayon, Jamyl Montalbo, and Yeriel Montalbo.

“I can consider this as an achievement for them because our opponents here in this tournament are very tough. Talagang na-test ‘yung mga players namin dito,” Montalbo said.

“As members of the Bacolod Tay Tung aspirants team, I want them to enjoy the moment and for them to continue improving so that when the time comes, we can elevate them to the juniors team,” he added.

On their way to the finals, the Thunderbolts prevailed over Team Elite Talisay and the Ball Movers Volleyball Club in the group stage before defeating Pontevedra in the quarterfinals and the DVT Volleyball Club in the semifinals round.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts’ 12-and-under squad was not as fortunate as they fell short of clinching the 12-and-under girls category championship.

The Roberto Calamba, Jr.-mentored 12-and-under Thunderbolts prevailed over their group stage opponents and their quarterfinals and semifinals foes before losing to San Carlos in the finals./ASC, WDJ