KALIBO, Aklan – Chery Tiggo Thunderbolts looks to continue its winning ways as it competes in the VOLLEYPreP Volleyball Club Championship beginning today at the Aklan Catholic College Annex here.
This will be the fourth tournament of the squad after ruling the Bacolod Negros Legends one-day league, the 2022 Mayor JPT New Normal Volleyball Invitational, and Gametime National 20-Under Women’s Volleyball League recently.
The Roberto Calamba Jr.-mentored Thunderbolts, however, made some modifications in its roster with the inclusion of national U-19 team call up Jihan Chuatico and Enderun College Titans recruit Shane Carmona.
Returning for the Thunderbolts in the tournament were Gametime tournament MVP and Best Setter Katherine Shaine Cortez, Best Opposite Spiker Alex Montoro and Best Libero Gwen Bañas.
Completing the team were Jan Ysabelle Chua, Amber Lily Biong, Jermaine Joniega, Patricia Grace Hiponia, Alijah Ysulan, Elphie Cahilig, Antheia Galicia and Sophie Cagalawan.
“It is great to have Shane back even just for this tournament. Her experience will greatly help the team. Same with Jihan, she can apply what she learn from her trainings in U-19 team,” Calamba said.
One of the teams looking to beat the Thunderbolts was sister team Toby’s Sports-Bacolod, which is composed of players from the national U-17 girls volleyball team.
Among the players of Toby’s Sports were Gametime Invitational Best Middle Blocker awardee Dona Mae De Leon and Best Server Ana Francessca Hermusora.
Completing the squad of Ian Macariola were Kimberly Rubin, Chezka Peñol, Jan Rose Bulak, Rhose Viane Almendralejo, Lana Madrigal, Caitlin Espinosa, Jothea Ramos, Joenil Ramos, Mary Karylle Suplico, Zacchea Venize Maganto and Camila Amor Bartolome.
Other teams in the tournament were Kalibo’s PSM Ways and Aklan Volleyball Club, Bacolod’s Michael’s Volleyball Club and CRS-Livingstones, Iloilo’s A@T Volleyball Club, Gensan, ABCamp Baguio, Tacloban City Red Stallions, Parañaque Lady Green Berets, King’s Montessori School, Fourth District Nueva Ecija, NCF Monolith Tigers, Boysen Paint Masters and South Cotabato Dreamweavers./PN
