BACOLOD Tay Tung sustained its surge as Katherine Shaine Cortez continued her steady play in the Rebisco Volleyball League.
The 13-year-old setter is making heads turn in the 18-and-under meet, helping Bacolod Tay Tung surpass its fifth-place finish last season.
She has seen action in the Batang Pinoy Nationals, but says it’s a different feeling in the big city in a big tournament.
“Kinakabahan ako kasi first time ko pumunta dito sa Manila,” said the soft-spoken playmaker after helping Bacolod Tay Tung seal a semifinals spot with a 25-13, 25-19 victory over erstwhile unbeaten Pool B team Holy Rosary College on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“Nagpepray lang kay God at yung mga teammates ko sinasabihan nila akong wag matakot at makinig lang sa sinasabi ni coach,” she said.
Bacolod Tay Tung dispatched New Zealand’s Z-Air Maori, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, on Thursday to complete a five-game sweep of Pool B.
They face either Aloha Region Juniors team or Kings’ Montessori, who will clash for the top seed in their group.
Whoever they face in the knockout semifinals on Friday, Cortez will play with confidence.
“Maganda na yung nilalaro ng teammates ko,” she said.
“First time ko pero gusto ko maging champion kami at gusto namin bumawi,” she said.