MANILA, Philippines — Rhose Almendralejo unleashed a record-setting 35-point outburst in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL), but it wasn’t enough to lift Bacolod Tay Tung past its Palarong Pambansa tormentor, National University-Nazareth School (NUNS).

The Grade 10 spiker was looking to settle an unfinished business after missing the Palaro finals last week due to an injury, as she waxed hot with 31 kills, two blocks, and two aces only for the Thunderbolts to miss the finishing touches as the Lady Bullpups pulled off a come-from-behind 27-25, 16-25, 21-25, 30-28, 15-13 win on Saturday at La Salle Greenhills.

READ: Fresh off Palaro title, NUNS Lady Bullpups continue winning ways

Rhose Almendralejo, who unleashed 35 points in the final, shares her thoughts after Bacolod Tay Tung fell short. #ShakeysGVIL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/0HRRWxT6mM

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 7, 2025

It was heartbreaking for Almendralejo despite the best final performance in the three-year-old tournament, as Bacolod settled for a runner-up finish for the second week in a row. 

But she remained proud of her whole team.

“I’m super proud of our team because even though the game was tough, we really followed what our coaches told us and gave our best,” Almendralejo said in Filipino.

Just a week from Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, Bacolod Tay Tung still swept six games on its way to the final.

READ: NUNS Lady Bullpups off to rousing Rising Stars start

“I’m so happy with the team because even with limited preparation, we still managed to take home the silver. I’m very thankful to God for guiding us,” she said.

After back-to-back finals losses and turning heads of other schools in Manila and volleyball fans, Almendrajo vows to stay focused for the Thunderbolts in her last two playing years, hoping to reach the top next time.

“It’s not really about being eager for revenge. We just want to keep giving our best every time we step on the court,” she said.