By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles appear to have the inside track in securing the commitment of Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts middle blocker Brianna Nikola Ang.

According to Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo, while several schools have expressed interest in recruiting the 5-foot-10 Ang, Ateneo is currently regarded as the frontrunner.

“I can say that Ateneo has an edge, especially since some of Brianna’s former Bacolod Tay Tung teammates are currently playing there,” Montalbo told Watchmen Daily Journal.

Montalbo was referring to Katherine Shaine Cortez, Jihan Chuatico, Alex Montoro, and incoming Blue Eagles rookies Dona Mae de Leon and Ana Hermosura.

However, Montalbo clarified the final decision as to where Ang would play and study for college solely relies on her.

“But, at the end of the day, it is still Brianna who has the final say. But her focus now is sa Tay Tung and our upcoming campaigns in Bacolod City,” Montalbo said.

The 17-year-old Ang, in a separate interview with Watchmen Daily Journal, confirmed that she already has a preferred school for college but chose not to disclose it yet.

“Yes po, meron [na akong school na ine-aim for college],” said Ang, who is currently in Grade 12 at Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

Aside from Ang, the Blue Eagles are also reportedly eyeing Thunderbolts’ setter Jan Rose Bulak to bolster their roster next season./ASC, WDJ