New Tay Tung setter feels the pressure

Marianne Sotomil (left) believes Rhean Hebraica Almendralejo is a capable setter for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School women’s volleyball team. MARIANNE SOTOMIL / FACEBOOK

RHEAN Hebraica Almendralejo admitted feeling the pressure as she replaces graduating Marianne Sotomil as setter of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School women’s volleyball team.

Despite showing her abilities in a Pontevedra, Negros Occidental competition recently – she won best setter – Almendralejo said she is still far from filling the shoes of Sotomil, who is bound for University of the Philippines to play for Lady Maroons.

“I am not here to replace Nang Mai. I mean, she is irreplaceable,” Almendralejo told Panay News. “She has done a lot in helping our team win championships the past few years, and I think I still have a lot to learn to even come close to being her.”

“I feel pressured being entrusted the starting setter position by coach Ian (Macariola). All I can promise is that I will do my best, I will do extra work every practice and listen to our coaches,” said the17-year-old Bacolod City native.

Sotomil believes Almedralejo has what it takes to lead Thunderbolts – even the Western Visayas team – on her remaining year of eligibility with the school.

“Braice,” said Sotomil, “is flexible and open to learning new things. She is also very coachable, so I believe the team will be in good hands with her as setter.”

“Even if I am in Manila, I am still willing to be her (Almedralejo) mentor,” she added. “Braice is saying that she is far from being me but I know she can make a name for herself.”

Meanwhile Thunderbolts elevated Katherine Shane Cortez from its aspirants’ squad to serve as its backup setter./PN

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