Brianna Ang yet to map out future after ending Palarong Pambansa journey with Bacolod

AGUSAN DEL SUR — Brianna Ang shared that she has yet to map out her future in volleyball even after wrapping up her Palarong Pambansa journey with the Negros Island Region (NIR).

The 5-foot-10 middle blocker from Bacolod Tay Tung said she is focused on making the most of her final moments with her high school teammates before officially moving on to the collegiate ranks.

"I don’t know yet," Ang told reporters after NIR lost to the National Capital Region in the Palarong Pambansa finals for the second straight time on Sunday.

"The only thing I can, and I already mentioned it before, and right now I’m just focusing on the bonding with my teammates before we leave."

Ang was a key component in Bacolod's recent success in the Palarong Pambansa, helping the region claim back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Going for a three-peat in Ilocos Norte last year, though, Bacolod felt short after absorbing a , 25-12, 25-14, 25-8 loss to NCR in the finals.

They spent the next year regrouping after that heartbreaking defeat and returned to Agusan del Sur determined to finish what they started.

However, Bacolod hit a snag when star outside spiker Rhose Almendralejo prematurely exited the gold medal game due to an injury late in Set 1. They would still win the opening frame, but NCR just imposed its will in the next three frames to capture their back-to-back titles.

Nonetheless, Ang expressed gratitude for her memorable Palarong Pambansa career.

"We had a hard time not only with our competition but also with the people in our side since we are a new team. Not really a new team, but we’re young. It’s honestly a sad feeling but that’s part of the game," she said.

"My whole Palarong Pambansa run was a mix of excitement, sad feeling, happy feelings. All the feelings were involved and it really molded me to the person I am right now."

—JKC, GMA News