BACOLOD City — Bacolod Tay Tung High School-A displayed championship poise and resilience as it battled back from a first-set setback to defeat De La Salle Zobel, 22-25, 25-23, 15-9, and capture the Akari Cup Girls 15-and-Under volleyball title at the St. John’s Institute Gymnasium here.
Roared on by hometown supporters, the Thunderbolts recovered from a shaky opening frame and turned the tide with steadier floor defense and crucial attacks in the second set before dominating the deciding frame to complete their dramatic comeback victory.
Mary Regine Wongyan led Tay Tung’s charge throughout the tournament and was named Most Valuable Player for her consistent all-around performance in the two-day competition featuring some of the country’s promising young volleyball talents.
After surrendering the opening set, the Thunderbolts regrouped in the second frame, showing composure in crucial stretches to force a deciding set.
Tay Tung then took control in the final set, overwhelming La Salle Zobel with aggressive net play and disciplined defense to seal the championship in emphatic fashion.
The Thunderbolts were coached by Ian Macariola with assistants Gersan Banzuela and Sheryl Laborte.
The championship-winning lineup included Marishka Alexandria Andrada, Nicole Getino, Jemimah Jaslyn Calvo, Jessica Jayne Soco, Chennie Mie Millama, Samantha Yssobel Cañete, Mari Antionette Ros Cacho, Wongyan, Rayne Angela Dela Cruz, Maddison Garcia, and Annicka Zoe Chua./PN
