PASSI CITY, Iloilo — Bacolod Tay Tung High School didn’t just win the Rebisco Volleyball League Western Visayas Regional Finals — it ruled the entire tournament with an iron hand, completing a flawless sweep that underscored its growing reputation as the region’s most formidable girls’ volleyball program.
Tay Tung powered through the eliminations, semifinals, and championship match without dropping a single game, capping its perfect campaign with a clinical victory over St. John’s Institute Bacolod in the finals.
Alas Pilipinas girls standout Rhose Almendralejo anchored the Thunderbolts’ relentless attack, earning Most Valuable Player honors along with the 1st Best Outside Hitter plum.
“We really pushed each other and stayed focused every game,” Almendralejo said, after steering the team’s well-balanced offense throughout the tournament.
The Thunderbolts’ depth proved unmatched as four more players secured major awards: Brianna Nikola Ang (1st Best Middle Blocker), Alexa Bertolano (Best Opposite Spiker), Jan Rose Bulak (Best Setter), and Luchi Vivero (Best Libero).
Tay Tung swept its elimination round assignments against Barotac Viejo National High School, Palanguia National High School, and Pontevedra Christian School Inc. of Capiz, then defeated Santa Clarita International School in the semifinals en route to the championship.
Also contributing to the Thunderbolts’ dominant run were Jhanine Mayang, Zelver Banguaio, Abigail Labajo, Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Memielle Letran, Daniela Saloria, and Shannen Bañas. The team is coached by Romel Taniñas and Abraham Cadeliña, with Jose Montalbo as team manager.
St. John’s Institute’s Caera Celis and Marithana Echarri were named 2nd Best Outside Hitter and 2nd Best Middle Blocker, respectively, while Santa Clarita International School secured third place after defeating Palanguia National High School in the bronze medal match./PN
