Bacolod Tay Tung High School Katherine Cortez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Coming off an upset defeat to a championship contender, Bacolod Tay Tung High School bounced back and swept powerhouse National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS), 25-14, 25-22, 25-15, for the bronze medal in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League at San Andres Sports Complex on Saturday.
The Bacolod-based Thunderbolts stunned the Bullpups early with their electrifying defense—a total of 39 block attempts compared with NU-NS’ 11—that limited NU-NS’ offense despite Kianne Olango’s 16 points.
The Bullpups had a sudden surge of energy in the third frame to keep up with Thunderbolts in an effort to prevent a sweep, 17-13, but Bacolod middle blocker Dona de Leon had other plans and shut down last ditch efforts by NU.
De Leon led the Thunderbolts offense with 13 points while Marie Ramos chipped in 11.
“Character and attitude, that’s what’s changed in us. The skills is already there but for this game, we improved on our character,” said Thunderbolts coach Ian Macariola after the bounce back victory.
“Bringing home the bronze medal to Bacolod is already a big deal,” Macariola added.
In the classification matches, Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura lifted the Baby Lady Falcons to the fifth spot past University of Santo Tomas, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19.
Nitura had 25 points on 22 attacks as the Junior Tigresses settled for sixth place.
Far Eastern University-Diliman won against De La Salle-Lipa in the curtain-raiser to place seventh and eighth, respectively.