SAN CARLOS City – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts capped a commanding campaign by crushing University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), 25-17, 25-14, to capture the Women’s Open championship of the 66th Charter Anniversary Invitational Volleyball Open Tournament on Sunday at the Barangay 3 Covered Court here.
Displaying superior defense, relentless attacks, and consistent service from start to finish, the Thunderbolts overwhelmed UNO-R in straight sets to complete an unbeaten championship run and emerge as the undisputed queens of the annual tournament.
Powering Tay Tung’s title conquest was Zelver Faith Banguiao, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after spearheading the team’s dominant performance throughout the competition. Her outstanding campaign also earned her an invitation to join the Alas Pilipinas Under-17 national squad.
Also contributing to Tay Tung’s championship victory were Ana Ysabelle Hermosura, Alexa Bertolano, Marishka Alexandria Andrada, Jelleane Laborte, Nicole Getino, Avienne Mathilda Bancale, Christina Gale, Jhaening Mayang, Luchi Vivero, Memielle Letran, Zeianne Laborte, and Shannen Bañas.
Despite the loss in the championship match, UNO-R settled for first runner-up honors after advancing to the women’s final.
The tournament, staged as part of the 66th Charter Anniversary celebration of San Carlos City, featured teams from across Negros Occidental and neighboring areas competing in the men’s and women’s open divisions.
In the Men’s Open category, UNO-R prevented a Tay Tung sweep by defeating City Designs in the championship match to claim the title. City Designs settled for first runner-up.
Hydra Escalante City and Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc. secured third-place finishes in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively./PN
