By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negros Occidental, represented by the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, emerged as champion in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet secondary girls volleyball tournament at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose, Antique on Thursday, March 6.

The Negrense squad showcased their dominance to defeat host Antique, represented by Antique National School, in straight sets, 25-15, 25-10, 25-10, in the gold medal match.

Rhose Vianne Almendralejo was named Most Valuable Player for her consistent performance throughout the entire tournament.

Brianna Ang was adjudged as 1st Best Middle Blocker.

On the part of Antique, Aqua Marfil was the recipient of the Best Libero citation.

Janiela Fabila bagged the 2nd Best Middle Blocker award.

Also part of the team are Camila Amor Bartolome, Alexa Bertolano, Rhea Tomas, Jan Rose Bulak, Czarina Dosayla, Joenil Anne Ramos, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Abigael Labajo, Caitlin Espinosa, and Edz Karylle Escultura.

With the victory, Negros Occidental earned the right to represent Western Visayas in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where the province will aim for their third consecutive championship.

In the secondary boys volleyball, Iloilo, represented by Hua Siong College of Iloilo, also moved on to the Palaro after defeating their opponent from Negros Occidental./ASC, WDJ