By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod City, represented by the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, showcased their dominance in the Negros Island Region Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet elementary and secondary girls volleyball divisions.

Bacolod ruled the 12-under girls division of the qualifying competition after defeating the squad from Guihulngan City in the finals at the Panaad Park and Stadium yesterday.

The Roberto Calamba, Jr.-mentored elementary squad showcased a collective effort to claim the championship and move on to represent the region in Palarong Pambansa.

Bannering the elementary girls are Mhegan Ordaniel, Samantha Valenciano, Chloe Depalubos, Dubhe Medina, Janselle Peromingan, Xyriz Cañete, Andrea Lorainne Lim, Andrea Zedd Chua, Jeydi Panisales, Hadassah Abellar, Ada Asin, Ma. Sofia Miralles, Mikayla Gonzales, Jana Cadelina, and Cielo Palabrica.

“We really prepared well for this tournament because we really want to represent the region in Palarong Pambansa,” Calamba said in an interview with Watchmen Daily Journal.

Meanwhile, the secondary girls team ruled their division following a 25-11, 25-13, 25-10 domination over Silay City in the finals.

Leading the way for the team are Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles-bound Brianna Nikola Ang, Rhose Viane Almendralejo, Alexa Bertolano, and Jan Rose Bulak.

Completing the squad are Zelver Faith Banguiao, Edz Karylle Escultura, Jhaennine Mayang, Memielle Letran, Kara Sophia Feril, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Luchi Vivero, Maria Shannen Bañas, and Danielle Anne Saloria.

“I can say that this group is the best Bacolod Tay Tung secondary girls volleyball team that we have assembled. We are complete in every position,” team manager Jose Montalbo said.

Montalbo added that he hopes that the Thunderbolts squad will continue to develop chemistry among themselves as he hopes to capture the Palarong Pambansa crown for NIR./ASC, WDJ