MURCIA, Negros Occidental — St. John’s Institute (SJI) proved once again why it is one of Negros Occidental’s elite high school volleyball programs, overpowering the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Lady Stingers, 40-25, to capture the 3rd Mayor Gerry M. Rojas Invitational Women’s One-Day League crown at the Murcia Gym.
Riding the momentum of their recent 17U ODL Prime Volleyball Club Tournament championship, the Falcons exploded to a commanding 16-3 opening surge and never relinquished control in the race-to-40 final. Led by the steady all-around performance of Gabrielle Yanson, SJI dictated the tempo on both ends of the floor and kept USLS at bay throughout the match.
The Lady Stingers, paced by Nicolei Galvan, mounted several attempts to close the gap but could not disrupt the Falcons’ rhythm. Their late push fell short, settling them for a runner-up finish.
In the battle for third place, the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R) Lady Rams outlasted the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts in a tight duel, 30-27. Tay Tung started strong with a 12-6 lead before UNO-R unleashed a five-point run, setting up a seesaw endgame that the Lady Rams ultimately controlled.
Tournament officials lauded the high level of competition in the day-long meet, noting its role in preparing school-based teams for upcoming regional and private school league campaigns. This year’s field also included squads from Murcia, Talisay City, Madeleine Academy–Hinigaran, Calvary Baptist Academy–Pontevedra, and the Vipers Volleybelles.
The event forms part of the lead-up to the 30th Tinabuay Festival, which opens on December 4 and concludes on December 8 in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception./PN
