Highly-touted middle blocker Brianna Ang is looking to cap her stint with Bacolod Tay Tung on a high note before moving on to Ateneo de Manila University as it builds up for the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Before joining a Blue Eagles squad that features several former Thunderbolts standouts, the 5-foot-10 middle blocker is first focused on helping Bacolod Tay Tung break through in the 2026 Shakey’s GVIL Rising Stars Cup.
Ang and the Thunderbolts are determined to finally get over the hump after three runner-up finishes — including a Finals loss to defending champion NUNS Lady Bullpups last year — as she prepares for the next chapter of her volleyball journey.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
“Last year, we fell short against the NU [Lady Bullpups]. This year, we’re just planning to give out our best, and we’re still hoping na things will come into our hands. We’ve been preparing for training, we’ve been doing training camps,” Ang said.
The Palarong Pambansa standout has also expressed pride in her team’s early progress, as Bacolod Tay Tung moved a step closer to redemption by clinching a quarterfinals berth in Pool B with a clean 3-0 win-loss record.
Even while currently on the sidelines, Ang remains committed to her leadership role, guiding the Thunderbolts through their final Pool B assignment and into a tough playoff field that includes National University Nazareth School, Adamson, and UST, among others.
“Honestly, all we can do right now is stay positive and do what we can. I uplift my teammates as a team captain by giving positive words and telling them that there’s hope for everything,” the 17-year-old middle blocker said.
That maturity and leadership will be crucial when she reunites with familiar faces at Ateneo in Season 89.
Despite the departure of Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso, Ang will once again share the Taraflex with Jihan Chuatico, KC Cortez, Dona de Leon, Ana Hermosura, and Alexia Montoro — all of whom previously suited up for Bacolod Tay Tung before their respective Ateneo careers.
