DARAGA, Philippines – Fueled by determination to bring home the 2016 Palarong Pambansa volleyball title, the new Negros Island Region (NIR) pummeled host Bicol Region, 25-13, 25-17, on Thursday, April 14 here.
With a 4-0 win-loss card, NIR secured the top spot in Group B in secondary girls volleyball and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Hannah Nicole Infante, NIR's team captain and 5-time Palaro qualifier, banked on cross-court spikes off Patricia Nicole Escares' excellent sets to notch the emphatic win.
"Naging consistent kami, hindi nagbigay ng kumpiyansa and we gave it our all (We stayed consistent, we did not give them confidence and we gave it our all)," said Infante, who was also part of Western Visayas' line-up in the Shakey's V- League.
Jessa Ordiales, Linnel Maputi, Alyssa Bertolano, and Jewel Maligmat unloaded solid attacks while setter Escares had sharp serves in the win. Maicah Larroza anchored the net defense with her solid blocks.
Powerhouse NIR also defeated Davao Region in 3 sets, 25-16, 23-25, 26-24, and swept Zamboanga Peninsula, 25-16, 25-23, as well as Cagayan Valley, 25-20, 25-6, before Thursday's win.
NIR will face Group C's second seed Western Visayas in the quarters on Friday, April 15, at Bicol Colleges. – Rappler.com