BACOLOD City — Bacolod Tay Tung High School pulled off a stunning comeback from two sets down to capture its fourth consecutive 17-and-under championship in the 4th Abanse Negrense Grassroots Volleyball Tournament on Monday night.
The Thunderbolts refused to surrender after dropping the first two sets, storming back to defeat St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Falcons in a five-set championship thriller, 14-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-21, 15-11.
SJI appeared poised to end Tay Tung’s reign after dominating the opening two frames, but the Thunderbolts regained their composure in the third set and seized control of the match.
Tay Tung extended the championship battle after taking the third set, 25-20, before forcing a deciding fifth frame with a 25-21 victory in the fourth.
With the title on the line, the Thunderbolts completed their comeback with a 15-11 triumph in the deciding set to secure their fourth straight championship in the age-group division.
Zeianne Laborte spearheaded Tay Tung’s individual honors, earning the Most Valuable Player award as well as the Best Opposite Hitter citation.
Teammate Avienne Mathilda P. Bancale was recognized as Best Setter, while Luchi C. Vivero was named Best Libero. Cristina Madele R. Gale also earned a special award as the second-best middle blocker.
Roemel Taninas was named Best Coach.
SJI’s Gabby Yanson was named Best 1st Outside Hitter, while Edz Escultura received the Best 1st Middle Blocker award.
Tay Tung’s strong showing extended beyond the 17U division as the school also reached the championship matches of the 15U and 12U categories, finishing runner-up in both.
Zhake Cebu captured the 15U championship, with Tay Tung settling for silver, while the Falcons ruled the 12U division and Tay Tung again finished second.
The three podium finishes highlighted Tay Tung’s continued strength as one of the region’s leading grassroots volleyball programs, capped by the Thunderbolts’ dramatic four-peat in the 17U division./PN
