MANILA, Philippines – The Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts stunned Far Easter University in the opening match of the Rebisco Volleyball League, 20-25, 25-22, 25-19 at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
The much smaller Thunderbolts looked unsettled in the first set as the much taller Lady Tamaraws landed one booming spike after another behind Alexis Miner, Ann Goc and Lyann De Guzman.
“This was our first time to play in a beautiful and air-conditioned venue like the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex,” said Tay Tung head coach Evelyn Aguillon. “We aren’t used to this and the girls found it cold. Hindi ba sanay maglaro sa air-conditioned venue. Plus, na-intimidate kami.”
The Thunderbolts came back in the second set with well-placed shots behind Alyssa Bertolano and the expert setting Marianne Sotomil that had FEU scrambling.
“Nung una, nerbiyos kami,” admitted Sotomil. “Coach just said, settle down. Use yung advantage namin sa speed and of course, placement ng palo.”
In recent years, Tay Tung High School has become the volleyball power in Bacolod supplanting the University of St. La Salle.