ALMOST but not quite for Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts after they fell short of a medal finish in the just-concluded Rebisco Volleyball League National Championships at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Despite their outstanding efforts in the semifinals against 3BB Nakornnont of Thailand, the Bacolod-based team lost in two sets. Thunderbolts had their chance with a 22-20 advantage in the 1st set but, the Thais cut the lead to 24-23 and eventually tied the match 24-all. Both extended the game until the visitors broke the deadlock, 28-26 in the 2nd set, the Thais has full control of the game which ended, 25-10.

In the battle for bronze medal, Tay Tung got a very close game against Hawaii of USA. Each team got a share a piece of the two sets with Hawaii taking the 1st set, 25-21 while Tay Tung tied the game, 25-18.

In the final set, Tay Tung took an early 13-9 lead before Hawaii cut the lead to a point, 17-16. Tay Tung continued to control the game extending the lead, 22-19 and maintained it to 23-20.

But, the Hawaiian spikers kept their composure as they slowly cut the deficit, tied and eventually took the lead, 24-23.

The Thunderbolts had their chance anew when they tied the score, 24-all however, they were unable to sustain their momentum as Hawaii escaped with a 26-24 victory.

Tay Tung manager Jose Montalbo said, “we did our best.”

Meanwhile, 3BB Nakornnont of Thailand swept Adamson University of Manila in three straight sets: 26-24, 25-17 and 25-15 to capture the crown.