By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolodnon standout Rhose Vianne Almendralejo has been called up for the Philippine women’s 18-U national volleyball team competing in the 3rd Asian Youth Games slated for October 19 to 29 in Bahrain.

According to Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo, he recently received a letter from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) confirming Almendralejo’s call-up.

“[The PNVF invited] Rhose to the national 18-U team for the Asian Youth Games, and we immediately accepted it,” Montalbo told Watchmen Daily Journal.

“It is a great opportunity for Rhose to hone her skills further while also gaining experience playing internationally. She is very excited to represent the country overseas,” he added.

Almendralejo, who currently stands 5-foot-9 and plays the outside hitter position, will team up with players from the National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups in the national team to be handled by Karl Dimaculangan.

The Philippine women’s 18-U national volleyball team is bracketed with Thailand and South Korea in the week-long competition.

Almendralejo’s inclusion in the squad is seen as a significant milestone both for her and for the Thunderbolts, which has been recognized for its strong volleyball program and contribution to developing national-level players.

Aside from playing for the national team, Almendralejo is also finalizing her commitment to the National University Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

Despite still being in Grade 11, Almendralejo has already decided that she is suiting up for the Lady Bulldogs for college.

Another Thunderbolt committing to the Lady Bulldogs is setter Abigail Labajo, who will be eligible to play beginning on Season 89./ASC, WDJ