By ADRIAN STEWART CO

St. John’s Institute-Bacolod and Silay City’s Team Loyal emerged victorious in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 National Volleyball Championship Western Visayas finals held at the Barangay 6 covered court in Negros Occidental’s Victorias City.

St. John’s Institute claimed the championship in the women’s division after defeating the NVC Maroons-Aklan.

Sidlak Victorias, representing the host city, completed the podium finishers.

Antonella Jayobo of St. John’s Institute was named MVP, while other awardees include Ian Tiffany Nobleza (Best Setter), Andrea Nicole Gison (Best Libero), Marteena Lauren Ferrer (Best Opposite Attacker), Eileen Susan Gabrielle Yanson (1st Middle Blocker), Daniella Tricia Ignacio (2nd Middle Blocker), Caira Celis (1st Outside Hitter), and Ella Mae Batoy (2nd Outside Hitter).

On the other hand, Team Loyal ruled the men’s category after beating One Silay Sports in the finals.

Inabuyan VVF secured the second runner-up position, while Team Antique finished as third runner-up.

Michael Mantahinay of Team Loyal was named as the Most Valuable Player for the competition, while other awardees include Axel Bigbig (Best Setter), Harry Palma (Best Libero), Finmar Canoy (Best Opposite Attacker), Mico Nuñez (1st Middle Blocker), Alexis Roldan (2nd Middle Blocker), John Jomocan (1st Outside Hitter), and Renbert Kyle Puzon (2nd Outside Hitter).

The top two teams from both the men’s and women’s categories will represent Western Visayas in the Visayas Cluster Showdown, scheduled for 2025 in Tacloban, Leyte.

The qualifying event, held under the leadership of Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, showcased the region’s top volleyball talent and reaffirmed Victorias City’s role as a premier host for prestigious sports competitions.

The tournament was organized in partnership with the PNVF and the Volleyball Association of Negros Island, Inc./ASC, WDJ