MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts advanced to the finals of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League after a 25-18, 25-14, 25-23 win over Kings’ Montessori School in the semifinals on Thursday at the Paco Arena.
Rhose Viane Almendralejo finished with 14 points, built on 13 attacks and a block, as the Thunderbolts, which will face the Adamson University Lady Falcons in a one-game finale on Sunday at the Adamson University Gym.
The Thunderbolts breezed through in the first two sets before being challenged early in the third period as they trail, 3-8. But they quickly turned things around with a couple of runs to take a 20-16 advantage.
Kings’ Montessori made their last push to tie the score at 2-all after a kill block by Justine Decena, but a costly service error by teammate Shekaina Lleses followed by an attack by Almendralejo sealed the win for Bacolod Tay Tung.
“Yung kalaban malakas din naman pero nag-click lang siguro ‘yung depensa at block namin kaya ‘yun natalo namin sila,” Thunderbolts head coach Ian Macariola said in a post-game interview.
“Sinabihan ko sila na kumapit lang (nung ma-down kami ng five points sa third set), i-enjoy lang sa loob ng court, at kung lamang ‘yung kalaban, okay lang, habol lang,” he added.
Jothea Ramos and Ana Franchessca Hermosura backed up Almendralejo offensively with 11 markers each for the Thunderbolts, which finished with a bronze medal in the tournament last year.
Shekaina Lleses had nine points while her twin Shehanna Lleses chipped in seven markers for Kings’ Montessori, which will attempt to salvage a bronze medal finish in the competition.
The Lady Falcons, the reigning UAAP girls volleyball champions, moved on to the gold medal round after a 25-19, 25-17, and 25-17 sweep over the National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups.
Setter Felicity Sumagaysay earned the Player of the Game honors after displaying her efficient ball distribution the entire game as they renew their mastery over the Lady Bullpups./PN
