Bacolod Tay Tung High School and National University Nazareth School extended their perfect runs with hard-earned victories against gritty opponents, securing spots in the Final Four of the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League on Sunday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Tay Tung had to work hard to defeat University of Santo Tomas with scores of 25-22, 25-23, while NUNS clinched a 25-15, 25-18 win over Far Eastern University-Diliman in the first quarterfinal match.
Both teams had been dominant in their respective groups but faced strong resistance in the knockout playoffs of the 16-team GVIL, supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri, and R&B Tea, with the City of Manila as a government cooperation partner.
Bacolod encountered a tough challenge as they trailed in both sets against the determined Junior Golden Tigresses before showing resilience, led by Alexia Marie Montoro’s 11 points. Jothea Marie Ramos and Mary Bontia contributed nine points each as Bacolod, the top seed in Pool B, overcame a 10-16 deficit in the second set to fend off UST, the No. 2 seed from Pool D.
“Medyo off kami sa simula. Off ‘yung receive, off ‘yung passing pati ‘yung blocking. Buti nakabawi kami sa huli,” said Tay Tung mentor Ian Macariola, whose wards trounced Adamson, Kings Montessori School and Lyceum Cavite in the group play.
In an earlier match, Yesha Noceja and Celine Marsh scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, as the Lady Bullpups overcame a shaky start and lived up to their status as the team to beat in the tournament, which is also powered by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Toby’s Sports, Genius Sports, and SM Tickets. Kianne Louise Olango, who led their blowout wins in Pool A against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, La Salle Lipa, and Gracel Christian College Foundation, added six points for the reigning UAAP girls champions.
“Semis na kami pero meron pa kaming mga kulang. Hindi pa kami ganoon ka-fluid, lalo na pagdating ng mga second set. Sa first, medyo okay na pero sa second, may hinahanap pa kami,” said NUNS coach coach Vilet Ponce-De Leon.
Later on, Pool C leader California Academy and Pool D pacer Naga College Foundation secured contrasting wins to set up a highly anticipated Final Four match against NUNS and Bacolod, respectively.
Casiey Dongallo and Jelaica Gajero teamed up once again to contribute 12 and 10 points, respectively, as California Academy maintained their unbeaten campaign with a 25-17, 25-16 victory over Adamson University.
“I’m glad the girls played pretty well. It’s an emotional game for the girls given that on the other side is their friend and former Cal baby, Shaina Nitura. We’re happy. Shaina played well and the girls played well. It’s a historic moment for us,” said coach Obet Vital.
Naga, albeit undefeated as well, had to overcome a forgettable start to pull off a reverse sweep against the valiant La Salle Lipa, 14-25, 25-17, 25-17, with Arah Ellah Panique (22 points) and Sheena Sarie (11 points) leading the way.
“Parang naging diesel eh. Nasugatan muna bago gumanti, parang Fernando Poe Jr. Bugbog kami sa una pero unti-unti nakabawi. Sabi ko lang sa kanila, hangga’t hindi pa tapos, wag kayong susuko,” said coach Parley Tupaz.
Semis starts on Saturday at the same venue featuring five sets until the finals from three-setter matches in the elims and the quarterfinals.
All games of Shakey’s GVIL, in partnership with Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc., (ACES), will be broadcasted live and on-demand through all social media platforms courtesy of Plus Network with CNN Philippines, Solar Sports and Tap Sports as TV partners.
