NUNS-backed NCR denies Tay Tung-led NIR’s payback bid, secures back-to-back gold

Poised to extend their reign on the national stage, the National Capital Region (NCR) squad from National University – Nazareth School successfully defended its secondary girls’ volleyball crown after overcoming Negros Island Region’s (NIR) Bacolod Tay Tung High School in four sets, 22–25, 25–14, 25–19, 25–18, during the championship round of the tournament in Prosperidad, May 30.

With the triumph, NCR marched to its second straight Palaro championship, both won at the expense of the Tay Tung HS bets, whom the Metro Stars have defeated in two consecutive title series.

Both teams kicked the match off firing as neither side was willing to yield an inch.

With NIR clinging to a 23–22 in the opening set, star outside hitter Rhose Almendralejo suffered a scary moment after landing awkwardly on a spike attempt, forcing her to exit the court on a stretcher.

NIR still managed to draw first blood at 22–25, but it was evident that they were struggling to score without Almendralejo’s presence.

Momentum shifted decisively in the second frame, where the Metro Stars unleashed a barrage of scoring runs to level the match score at one set apiece.

Riding that surge, NCR tightened their grip in the succeeding salvos, combining efficient attacks with timely net defense to claim the third set before sealing the championship in the fourth canto.

Raine Gabrielle Alonzo, an outside hitter for NUNS detailed how the team regrouped from their setback to flip the script in their favor.

“Yung pumasok lang po sa isip namin is bumawi po, and gawin yung best, mag-enjoy, makinig sa coaches, at magtiwala sa teammates,” Alonzo said in an interview.

NUNS player Diza Marie Berayo powered her team towards the gold with 17 points coming-off 13 attacks, 3 aces and a single block.

Meanwhile, Almendralejo garnered individual awards for the game as the Best Server and Best Outside Hitter despite limited playing time due to her injury.

BTTHS team captain Brianna Ang also caught recognition for her farewell year as fans on court and online celebrated her last run in Palaro as a player.

“We’re really grateful for the people who stood up for us, no matter win or lose,” Ang stated in an exclusive interview.

NCR’s win added another medal to their overall volleyball campaign, bagging three out of four golds, while Cagayan Valley clinched the elementary girls’ crown.