Bacarra: The National University-Nazareth School of the National Capital Region triumphed over Bacolod Tay Tung High School with scores of 25-12, 25-14, and 25-8, capturing the 65th Palarong Pambansa secondary girls' volleyball title. This victory, which took place at the packed PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, prevented Western Visayas from achieving a third consecutive championship.
According to Philippines News Agency, Samantha Chloey Cantada led the Lady Bullpups with 13 points from 11 attacks and two blocks, while Harlene Serneche contributed 12 points with eight attacks, three aces, and a block. Previously, the Lady Bullpups were defeated by the Thunderbolts in the final of the 2023 Marikina Palaro. Denesse Daylisan added eight points, supported by Ysabella Patricia Cruz and Rihanna Cris Navarro with five points each. Rhose Viane Almendralejo was Bacolod Tay Tung High School's top scorer with six points from five attacks and one ace.
In the bronze medal match, Calabarzon Region emerged victorious over Eastern Visayas Region with scores of 25-22, 25-19, and 25-18. Meanwhile, NCR's Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra were named Most Outstanding Swimmers, each winning seven gold medals at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium pool in Laoag City. Twelve-year-old Sia set new records in the elementary boys' 100m backstroke and 400m freestyle events and also won in several other categories.
Garra, representing De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon, excelled in the elementary girls' 200m Individual Medley and 100m backstroke, setting new meet records, and dominated in other freestyle and relay events. Other standout performers included Davao Region's Bhenz Rudolf Owen Semilla and Mar Aviel Carredo with six golds each, as well as several athletes from various regions excelling in different sports categories.
As of 7:30 p.m., NCR led the overall medal tally with 111 golds, 68 silvers, and 45 bronzes in the annual event organized by the Department of Education. Western Visayas followed in second place with 43 golds, 50 silvers, and 52 bronzes, while Calabarzon ranked third with 40 golds, 65 silvers, and 62 bronzes. Davao Region and Northern Mindanao Region rounded out the top five in the standings. Central Luzon, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Region, and other regions followed in the rankings, showcasing competitive performances across various sports disciplines.
