Bacolod Tay Tung reasserted its status as the best high school girls’ volleyball team in the Philippines after capping its Rebisco Volleyball League national championship defense with a 25-16, 25-20, 25-13 victory over the University of Batangas in the title game on Monday.
Camila Bartolome and Donna de Leon scored 14 points apiece, while Rhose Almendralejo added 10 markers to lead the way for the Thunderbolts to finish the championship game at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
For the University of Batangas, Ann Shairinie Pesigan paced the team with nine points.
University of San Jose-Recoletos took home the bronze medal after holding off Kings’ Montessori School, 26-24, 25-23, 25-20, behind Angel Mae Almonia’s 13 points.
While Bacolod Tay Tung achieved team success, some teenage spikers introduced themselves individually among the best 18-and-under women’s players in the country.
The biggest private nationwide grassroots development tournament, now in its sixth year, unveiled this season’s RVL Select 21, composed of the league’s best players in each position – five outside hitters, five middle blockers, four opposite spikers, four setters, and three liberos.
RVL commissioner Ysay Marasigan earlier said the 21 players will take part in all-expense-paid training camps handled by champion Thai coach and current Criss Cross mentor Tai Bundit, and will have a chance to practice with Rebisco flagship clubs Creamline and Choco Mucho.
“If you’re part of that list, you can be considered among the top players in the age group,” said Marasigan, who’s also still an active player as the Criss Cross team captain.
Almendralejo of BTTHS, who was named RVL National Finals MVP, and teammate setter Jan Rose Bulak banner the elite group that also has two from runner-up University of Batangas in middle blocker Scarlett Escalante and libero Stephanie de Chavez.
The full 21-woman list that college scouts will definitely want to take a look at is composed of middle blockers: Macalinao, Ashley Nicole – Kings’ Montessori School; Labajo, Andrea Jade – Linao National High School; Penaranda, Jea – Notre Dame of Dadiangas University; Escalante, Scarlett – University of Batangas; Rosales, Virginia Ann – Corpus Christi School;
Outside hitters are Almendralejo, Rhose Viane – Bacolod Tay Tung; Aseo, Marie Joy – Linao National High School; Tecson, Rachel Ann – University of San Jose-Recoletos; Merwa, Rheina Joy – Linao National High School; Cardiño, Kara Simone – Sto. Niño National High School;
Liberos are De Chavez, Stephanie – University of Batangas; Mesa, Jayrelle Jhem – Kings’ Montessori School; Villacorta, Princess Joy – Notre Dame of Dadiangas University;
Opposite spikers Servidad, Crisanta – Naga College Foundation; Barong, Ruzzel Mae – Notre Dame of Dadiangas University; Canoy, Kriesha Faye – Corpus Christi School; Gindap, Kriska Morena – Kings’ Montessori School;
And setters Gould, Micaella – Sta. Cruz Academy of Lubao Inc.; Cortes, Mary Anthoneth – University of San Jose-Recoletos; Bulak, Jan Rose – Bacolod Tay Tung; and Cadusales, Jamuel Jadel – Corpus Christi School.*
