IT TOOK lots of sweat, blood, and sacrifices before Bacolod City secondary volleyball boys made history on Thursday, December 12, when they beat Area 4 in five sets to clinch the title in the just-concluded 2019 Palarong Panlalawigan.
Playing before the jam-packed crowd at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos covered court, the Bacolod City Golden Titans of Claro Tigallo started slowly as they messed up in the opening set, wherein almost nothing went right with the team yielding to the La Carlota City-anchored squad, 15-25.
Tigallo's ward came out strong in the 2nd set with a commanding 19-17, but unable to hold the lead as Area 4 took the upper hand, 20-19 and eventually won the set, 25-23.
Despite downed by two sets, the Bacolod team did not lose hope as they regrouped and poured a stunning performance to take the third set, 25-15.
In the fourth set, Bacolod maximized their advantage as momentum shifted to their favor and eventually tied the match at two sets apiece.
Still, in control of the game, Bacolod surged to a commanding 8-4 lead in the deciding set.
As both teams changed ends, Bacolod kept control of the game but, service errors hurt them as Area 4 came close, 11-9.
Determined to win the match and represent Negros Occidental in the Regional Meet next year in Makato, Aklan, the Bacolod squad sealed the victory, 15-10.
"Today, we changed history. Making it to the Top 4 is a great achievement already. But, to be a champion is unbelievable," Tigallo said.
"I did not expect this kind of achievement although my boys kept on saying that we will go to the Regionals," he added.
"To the parents, thank you so much for entrusting your children to me. In spite of finishing our training late, you never complain. To our OIC, Ma'am Ma. Cristina Doriman and my fellow teachers at Sum-ag National High School, thank you for the support," he said.
En route the finals, Bacolod City defeated Area 5 (Himamaylan City) in their opening match followed by dethroning erstwhile defending champions and Palarong Pambansa silver medalists Area 8 (NOPSSCEA) then MACASA (Cadiz City). They lost to Area 1 (San Carlos City) in the preliminaries for a 3-1.
Suited up for Bacolod City are skipper Paul Longno, Ramos siblings -- Justine and Jiroh Ken, Tacorda twins -- Cris Vincent and Cris Bryan, Francis Castillo, Dominador Malinao Jr., Remy Aragon Jr., Kermith Diamante, Terrence Segovia, John Paul Perez, and John Dorimon. Assistant Coach is Clara Tigallo.
Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts defended their title by defeating Area 3 in 3 straight sets: 25-10, 25-17 and 25-9.