MANILA — Determined to turn last year’s heartbreak into a breakthrough triumph, Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts launch their bid for an international crown as the Rebisco Volleyball League (RVL) 18-and-Under International Finals tip off today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Fresh from a runner-up finish in the previous edition, the Thunderbolts enter the tournament carrying both confidence and urgency after falling short against Thailand’s Nakornnonthaburi Volleyball Club in the finals. This time, the Western Visayas-based squad is setting its sights on finishing the job against a deeper and more competitive international field.
Team manager Jose Montalbo said Tay Tung’s mindset remains anchored on consistency and composure, even as the level of competition intensifies with the presence of foreign-based teams.
“Of course the goal is to win the tournament even if this is much tougher since there will be foreign-based teams,” Montalbo told Panay News. “We will just give our best to claim the championship.”
The Thunderbolts have been drawn into a demanding Pool A bracket featuring National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, Linao National High School, Davao City National High School, Holy Trinity College, and Perfect Set.
Leading Tay Tung’s campaign are Brianna Nikola Ang, Rhose Vianne Almendralejo, Jan Rose Bulak, Zelver Faith Banguiao, and Maria Shannen Banas, who are expected to anchor both offense and defense throughout the group stage.
Providing depth and stability off the bench are Luchi Vivero, Jhaenine Mayang, Memielle Letran, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Alexa Bertolano, Daniel Saloria, and Abigael Jirah Labajo.
The Thunderbolts open pool play against Linao on opening day before facing Perfect Set on January 18, Davao City on January 19, Holy Trinity on January 20, and NUNS on January 21./PN
