By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Tay Tung High School – A emerged as the champion of the Akari Cup girls 15-and-under division after defeating De La Salle Zobel in the thrilling three-set finals held at St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City.

The Thunderbolts bounced back from a first-set setback to claim the championship, 22-25, 25-23, 15-9, during the tournament staged from May 13 to 15.

Mary Regine Wongyan led Tay Tung’s title run and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after delivering a strong performance in the finals.

Handled by head coach Ian Macariola with assistant coaches Gersan Banzuela and Sheryl Laborte, the Thunderbolts displayed composure and resilience after dropping the opening set against the Las Piñas-based squad.

Bacolod Tay Tung tightened its defense and executed well in the crucial second set to force a decider before dominating the third frame to secure the championship.

Members of the championship-winning squad were Marishka Alexandria Andrada, Nicole Getino, Jemimah Jaslyn Calvo, Jessica Jayne Soco, Chennie Mie Millama, Samantha Yssobel Cañete, Mari Antionette Ros Cacho, Mary Regine Wongyan, Rayne Angela dela Cruz, Maddison Garcia, and Annicka Zoe Chua.

The victory added another achievement for Bacolod Tay Tung’s volleyball program as the Thunderbolts ruled the prestigious youth volleyball tournament on home soil./ASC, WDJ